Jon Franklin

Definition

Jon Franklin is an influential American journalist and author known for his innovative approach to narrative journalism and feature writing. He emphasized the importance of storytelling techniques in journalism, blending factual reporting with compelling narrative elements to create engaging stories that resonate with readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jon Franklin won two Pulitzer Prizes for his work, highlighting his significant contributions to the field of journalism.
2. He is known for his book 'Writing for the New Media,' which provides guidance on how to adapt traditional writing techniques for digital platforms.
3. Franklin's work often focuses on human experiences and emotional depth, making his stories relatable and impactful for readers.
4. He pioneered the integration of literary techniques into journalistic writing, helping to elevate the quality and appeal of feature articles.
5. Franklin has taught at various universities, sharing his expertise in narrative journalism and influencing a new generation of writers.

Review Questions

• How did Jon Franklin's approach to storytelling influence modern feature writing?
  • Jon Franklin's approach to storytelling significantly impacted modern feature writing by introducing narrative techniques that prioritize emotional engagement and character development. His method encouraged journalists to think beyond mere facts and statistics, leading to richer, more compelling narratives that draw readers in. By combining factual reporting with storytelling elements, Franklin helped redefine what feature writing could achieve, fostering a deeper connection between readers and the subjects of their stories.
• In what ways did Jon Franklin contribute to the evolution of narrative journalism as a genre?
  • Jon Franklin contributed to the evolution of narrative journalism by advocating for the integration of literary techniques within journalistic practices. He emphasized that journalists could craft narratives similar to those found in novels while still adhering to factual integrity. His work not only demonstrated that compelling storytelling could coexist with rigorous reporting but also inspired many writers to adopt these practices, leading to a broader acceptance of narrative journalism as a legitimate and respected genre.
• Evaluate the significance of Jon Franklin's teachings on narrative journalism in relation to contemporary media challenges.
  • Evaluating Jon Franklin's teachings on narrative journalism reveals their profound significance in addressing contemporary media challenges such as information overload and audience engagement. In an era where readers are bombarded with vast amounts of information, Franklin's emphasis on storytelling provides a framework for journalists to create meaningful connections with their audience. By focusing on human experiences and emotional depth, his principles encourage writers to capture attention amid distractions and foster a greater understanding of complex issues, ultimately enhancing the value of journalism in today's media landscape.

Related terms

Narrative Journalism: A style of journalism that uses storytelling techniques to present factual information in a compelling way, often focusing on character development and emotional engagement.

Feature Writing: A genre of journalism that goes beyond traditional news reporting to explore subjects in depth, often incorporating storytelling elements, personal reflections, and detailed descriptions.

The Story Behind the Story: A concept that refers to the background information, context, and motivations behind a news event or feature story, often explored by journalists to provide a deeper understanding of the subject.