Human interest story
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This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. (June 2009) |
In journalism, a human interest story is a feature story that discusses a person or people in an emotional way.[1] It presents people and their problems, concerns, or achievements in a way that brings about interest or sympathy in the reader or viewer.
Human interest stories may be "the story behind the story" about an event, organization, or otherwise faceless historical happening, such as about the life of an individual soldier during wartime, an interview with a survivor of a natural disaster, or profile of someone known for a career achievement.
Human interest stories are sometimes criticized as "soft" news, or manipulative,[1] sensationalistic programming. Major human interest stories are presented with a view to entertain the readers or viewers while informing them. Terry Morris, an early proponent of the genre said she took "considerable license with the facts that are given to me."[1] Although this could be considered a strategy, it has been referenced as a successful method of persuasion.
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- ^ a b c Miller, Laura (October 16, 2011). "'Sybil Exposed': Memory, lies and therapy". Salon. Salon Media Group. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
