Genre Category: Satire
“Satire” is a news genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to comment on or criticize social, political, or cultural issues. Satire is typically intended to be humorous, but it can also be used to make a serious point or critique.
Guidelines for journalists to follow when writing or viewing satire include:
- Clearly label satire pieces: Satire pieces should be clearly labeled so that readers know that they are reading humorous or exaggerated content that is not meant to be taken literally.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest: If the writer has any conflicts of interest that may affect their views or opinions, these should be disclosed in the piece.
- Respect the views and opinions of others: Writers and readers should respect the views and opinions of others even if they disagree. This means avoiding personal attacks and harassment and instead engaging in respectful and constructive debate.
- Present factual information accurately: While satire is meant to be humorous or exaggerated, it should still be based on accurate and factual information.
- Use satire responsibly: Satire can be a powerful tool for commenting on and critiquing social, political, or cultural issues, but it should be used responsibly and with consideration for the impact it may have on others.
By following these guidelines, journalists can help ensure that satire is presented in a responsible and transparent way and that readers are able to understand and evaluate the writer’s perspective.