Editorials vs. News Stories: Whose the more effective journalist

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/27/us-korea-weddings-idUSBRE83Q07Q20120427

http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/culture-warriors-dont-win/?ref=opinion

 I would like to start off by saying that this issue is a matter of preference. Both news stories and editorials are effective types of journalism, it really just boils down to what type of person you are. Are you someone who only wants the hard facts surrounding a story, Or would you rather be persuaded by the journalist hearing their opinions and commentary mixed in with the facts.

Now to get to the real question at hand, what makes either of these stories journalistic? A dictionary definition of journalism is "the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media". However, if this were true almost all types of news would be considered journalism. In other words, we journalists would be out of a job! Luckily, this is not the case, journalism to me is the gathering of stories that the public have a DESIRE to hear, and then doing everything in our power to bring it to them in great depth. Hence why we spend time reading these editorials and news stories instead of just turning on the evening news and getting snippets of various events. Journalism allows us to hone in on one of these stories in immense detail.

Both of these stories have aspects of journalism in them for this very reason, they allow the reader to gain a full scope on whatever the topic at hand might be. Now neither of these particular stories are very long (Shin's news story especially) but they are both still effective because of this. They did not leave a single important detail out, leaving the reader's hunger and craving for journalism completely satiated by the end of the articles. Shin even goes a step further, in not only explaining that this insane cost of marriage comes from old cultural traditions, but he also includes stories and quotes from actual families going through this in Korea. And Troy goes into so much detail to back up his opinions on these political candidates, I don't even know where to begin! From referring to Ronald Reagen as "the modern Republican demigod" to a jab at Rick Santorum's historical memory. Not only does Troy get the point of his article across he makes it enjoyable to read, which is necessary for any effective journalist.

This is what makes effective journalism and really what makes both of these articles journalistic instead of just being cut and dry. They make the reader want to come back and read more of their work! Isn't that what all of us strive for? whether it be through the quality of detail or through witty commentary, you always want to have the reader coming back for more!