The spelling of the word "hard news" is fairly straightforward in English. It is spelled exactly as it sounds, with each syllable pronounced carefully and distinctly. The first syllable is pronounced as /hɑːd/, with a long "a" sound and a soft "d" at the end. The second syllable is similarly pronounced as /njuːz/, with a long "u" sound and a soft "z" at the end. Together, they form the term "hard news," which refers to serious and important news topics that are usually reported on by traditional, mainstream news outlets.
Hard news refers to factual information about current events or developments that is presented in an unbiased and objective manner. It typically focuses on topics of public interest such as politics, economics, social issues, crime, and international affairs. Hard news articles are characterized by their adherence to journalistic standards, including reporting verified facts, citing reliable sources, providing context, and avoiding personal opinions or biases. This type of news primarily aims to inform and educate the public on significant occurrences and their implications.
Hard news stories prioritize the dissemination of crucial information that may impact individuals, communities, and society at large. They often involve breaking news events, investigative journalism, and in-depth reporting on critical issues. The reporting style in hard news is concise, direct, and to-the-point, emphasizing clarity and capturing the essential details of a story.
In contrast to soft news or feature stories that focus on human interest, entertainment, or lifestyle topics, hard news is concerned with providing an accurate and comprehensive account of important events. The purpose of hard news is to serve as a reliable source of information that enables citizens to make informed decisions, stay connected with the world around them, and engage in public discourse.
The etymology of the term "hard news" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The word "hard" in this context refers to news that is factual, objective, and of substantial importance. It derives from the sense of something being solid, strong, or difficult to break, akin to the use of "hard facts". The term "hard news" emerged to distinguish such serious and objective news coverage from other forms of reporting, such as feature stories, opinion pieces, or soft news. The concept of delivering hard news became synonymous with providing accurate and consequential information, often relating to politics, economics, and other vital areas of public interest.