Although readers always have the option of writing a letter to a newspaper’s editorial page to comment about something they’ve read in the paper, a special invitation to respond to an article can be extended to readers in the body of the article itself if it is expected to generate some strong feelings. For example, in “A Stolen Soul,” a boxed item titled “How to Contact Us” was printed next to the article providing a way to immediately contact the newspaper with comments.
This is a good way to get feedback about how readers are responding to the story. Are they upset? Are they sad? Are they inspired? Are they angry? Are they motivated to do something to help? Perhaps a newspaper can publish or respond to the feedback in a future issue. Providing feedback channels, especially for a controversial or disturbing story, can serve as a pressure valve for audience members who need to “vent” about their thoughts and feelings in response to the story.
- Keywords:
- audience participation
- feedback
Article Sections
- Best Practices in Trauma Reporting
- The Journalist's Challenge
- The Dart Award
- A Winning Example
- Understanding Trauma
- Analysis Introduction
- Teamwork
- Focus
- Length
- Propinquity and Acts
- Narrative Style
- Social Data
- Sourcing
- International Perspectives
- Time and Energy
- Intention
- Resources and Notes
- Cautionary Notes
- Feedback
- Policy Issues
- Follow-Up
- Layout and Graphics
- Review
- For Further Study
- Self-Care
Kevin Kawamoto
-
Kevin Kawamoto, MSW, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Hawaii School of Communications and teaches courses in journalism and multimedia.
Request Publications
-
Tragedies & Journalists
A 40-page guide to help journalists, photojournalists and editors report on violence while protecting both victims and themselves.
-
Covering Children & Trauma
When children are victims of violence, journalists have a responsibility to report the truth with compassion and sensitivity.