Key Features of Journalistic Language

Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Pedagogy

Each media outlet uses different codes, always conditioned by the communication channel. The fundamental channel is the language code. In journalistic communication, other significant elements are part of codes of non-linguistic signs, such as the code of images, and the image-noise code consisting of visual images and basic elements.

Specifically, in broadcast and newspaper texts, the basic function is to report facts and themes that public opinion considers of general interest. Journalistic communication generally serves two basic functions:

  • To account for events (which we call journalistic reporting).
  • To explain and assess these events (which we call journalistic opinion).

Regarding the structure of these journalistic texts, exposition predominates, but argumentation also occurs. They mainly consist of a headline, an introduction containing basic information, and a body of text where information is sorted according to its importance.

Journalistic communication takes place in units of some structural complexity: the newspaper or magazine in print, and the radio or television program. The content draws attention to collecting all information and opinion corresponding to a certain time. Within this type of text, we can distinguish:

  1. Sections: These group content from the same area, providing a mechanism that facilitates the reader’s experience by allowing them to quickly locate information of interest.
  2. Headlines: These are the set of statements at the head of each text, serving as a title and fulfilling several functions:
  • Identify and classify information.
  • Summarize content.
  • Call the reader’s attention.
  • Often manifest the intent or point of view of the issuer.

The body of the headlines includes:

  • The Title: This is the title of the section containing the text.
  • The Headline: This is the only required element, using a larger font to highlight the main idea of the information.
  • The Subheadline and/or Deck: These are secondary to the title, using a smaller typeface, and either put the information in context or anticipate some important content that is developed later.
  • The Byline: This identifies the person responsible for the information and the place of origin.

The front page is the most important information space. The news that appears on it, and that takes place within the editorial, are those considered important and that the publication wants to emphasize.

Linguistic Features of Journalistic Texts:

  1. Firstly, the importance of the news is indicated by the page on which it appears.
  2. Secondly, the number of columns it occupies.
  3. Thirdly, the size and font of the headline.
  4. Fourthly, the importance of the mix of images and words.
  5. Fifthly, the issuer is either a specific author or a particular institution.
  6. Finally, the receiver is collective.

Functions of Language in Journalistic Texts:

  • The representational function of language is used to report objectively.
  • The phatic function of language is used to capture the attention of the recipient, primarily through headlines.
  • The appellative function of language predominates, especially in bullfighting and sports chronicles.