Narrative Journalism in the Making

In the sixties Journalism pushed the boundaries of Journalism across all mediums.

Sixties magazines pioneered 'New' Journalism. 

Print Journalism throughout the sixties was often like reading a story - Known as Narrative Journalism.

When we talk about 'New' Journalism we refer to the sixties not New-Media Journalism that refers to the digital age of Journalism.

The phrase coined in the sixties by a group of journalists: Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote, Hunter S. Thompson and Norman Mailer. 

Sixties magazines where looking at how to really get into the story to attract readers; mainly found in mags such as the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, etc.

Also in a similar category is; Literary journalism, Narrative journalism, Literary realism, 'Gonzo' journalism.

'Gonzo' - Is a style of journalism that favoured sarcasm during the 1970s. Pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson.

Historical context - Introduction of details realism into English literature in the 18th century was like the introduction of electricity into machine technology.

There is a relationship between journalists and literature - Charles Dickens writing serialised in the British Press during the 1800s.

The Vietnam was was a massive example in demonstrating the power of Television

Journalists discovered the devices that gave the realistic novel it's unique power: Immediacy, concrete reality, emotional involvement. 

Uses literary techniques - Starts with the tone and mood of a short story i.e. an intimate scene, Story is made up of scenes, the character is developed throughout the novel, uses realistic dialogue, employs a literary narrative. It's creating the whole seen as if you were there. 

Immersion of Journalists - 1966 Journliasts got permission to go into battle with soliders in Vietnam, Into training with professional footballers, riding with the hell's Angles. 

Involvement - Ensuring the interview contains this type of detail when you reconstruct a scene. Detail, detail, detail... is not mere embroidery in prose (Tom Wolfe) Observing mannerisms, detail of speech etc. 

Interviewing Techniques - Can be told in first or third person throwing the subjectivity of the journalist into question. 

Means during the interview: Ask questions about emotions - About how the person was feeling? What were they wearing? What did they say in as exact dialogue as they can remember.  

"Objective journalism is one of the main reasons American politics has been allowed to be so corrupt for so long." ~ Hunter S Thomson.