Hard News

Hard news is a term most often used by journalists and others who work in the media industry though you will hear others outside the industry use it. Hard News is often referred to the fast-paced news that usually appears on the front page of newspapers. The different types of topics that hard news often deals with are topics like business, politics and international news. However what defines hard news is not always its subject matter. Some might call a news story that's heavily reported, on a subject matter considered softer (like entertainment), hard news is defined by the way the subject is approached.

An example of hard news is: 

Newsnight is a BBC Television current affairs programme noted for its in-depth analysis and often robust cross-examination of senior politicians. Jeremy Paxman has been its main presenter for over two decades. The interview in this program focuses on the recent widley publicized health scare involving sub-standard breast implants manufactured by French company PIP. And how it has generated worldwide safety concerns about the overall safety of breast implants. The purpose of the interview is to enhance the audiences understanding of the health risks highlighted by the use of PIP implants and how it effects the women involved.

In this interview Jeremy Paxman interviews Naomi Wolf author of “Beauty Myth”, Katie price former page 3 model and Anne Milton MP and Health Minister.

The way the subject matter in this interview is approached is very serious and aims to give the audience more information on the subject matter. The way that Jeremy interviews the three women is assertive and non-bias. He makes sure he asks all three women questions and let them have time to get there point of view across. He also makes sure that he is in control of the interview at all times and some times repeats himself to make sure he gets an answer that he is looking for or will continue the debate. The types of questions asked throughout the interview are generally open questions as it allows the women to express their thoughts on the subject in matter. It also keeps the interview rolling so that it is more like a discussion then one persons point of view.