Good journalism tells stories. It’s not just about reporting the facts-its about weaving a narrative that engages and informs the reader. By telling stories, journalists can help people understand complex issues, make connections between disparate events, and see the world in a new way.
The power of storytelling was on full display in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the days and weeks after the attacks, journalists told the stories of the victims, the first responders, and the survivors. These stories helped people make sense of a senseless tragedy and gave them a glimpse of hope in a dark time.
In recent years, the power of storytelling has been harnessed by investigative journalists to expose wrongdoing and hold the powerful to account. The Panama Papers, for example, was a massive investigation by journalists into the offshore tax havens of the rich and famous. The stories that came out of that investigation showed how the global elite was using these schemes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
The power of storytelling is also evident in the work of human rights journalists. By telling the stories of the oppressed and the marginalized, these journalists shine a light on injustice and give a voice to the voiceless.
So, next time you see a good story in the news, take a moment to appreciate the power of storytelling. It just might be the most important thing that journalism has to offer.