Journalism and Media Vocabulary

Vocabulary and key concepts related to journalism, media types, publication components, and ethical issues in reporting.

Journalist

A person who collects, writes, and distributes news and other information.

Correspondent

A journalist employed by a news organization to report from a distant location or on a specialized subject.

Freelance

A journalist who works independently and is paid per item produced rather than receiving a regular salary.

Scoop

An exclusive news story discovered and published by one news organization before others.

Coverage

The extent to which an event or topic is reported on by the media.

Broadsheet

A newspaper with a large format, typically regarded as serious and high-quality.

Tabloid

A newspaper with smaller pages, often containing sensational stories and many photographs.

Rag

A derogatory term used to describe a newspaper of poor quality.

Glossies

High-quality, expensive magazines printed on shiny paper.

Circulation

The total number of copies of a newspaper or magazine that are distributed or sold.

Editorial / Leader

An article or piece that expresses the official opinion of the editor or news organization.

Feature

An in-depth newspaper or magazine article that focuses on a particular person, event, or topic.

Obituary

A notice or article reporting the death of a person, often including a biography.

Journalese

The distinct style of language and jargon characteristic of journalists.

Gutter press

Sensationalist newspapers that focus on scandalous or low-quality news.

Press tycoon / magnate / baron

A wealthy and influential person who owns or controls a large portion of the media.

Topical issue

A subject or problem that is of current interest or importance.

Agony aunt / uncle

A person who writes a column giving advice to readers about their personal problems.

Paywall

A system on a website that requires users to pay a subscription fee to access content.

Libel

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation.

Sensationalism

The presentation of stories in a way that is intended to provoke public excitement or shock.

Prejudice / Bias

A preference or opinion that prevents objective consideration of an issue.

The Fourth Estate

A term for the press used to indicate its role and importance alongside the branches of government.

Independent Press Standards Organisation

The regulatory body in the UK that investigates complaints about printed and online material.

The Guardian

A British daily newspaper that offers free online access with a 20 article-per-month limit.

Gotcha journalism

Journalism that deliberately attempts to catch public figures in embarrassing or scandalous situations.

Media hype

Extensive or intensive publicity or promotion of a subject in the media.

Scaremongering

The act of spreading alarming or frightening rumors to the public.

Hush up

To suppress information or prevent something from being publicly known.

Muzzle

To prevent the press from speaking or reporting freely, often through strict laws.