News analysis is the deeper, more informed interpretation of a news event. It provides context and meaning, often in the form of an argument or conclusion, to help readers understand the significance and implications of a story. News analysis is most commonly written by journalists with expertise or knowledge in a subject area. It is important to remember that News analysis is not to be confused with opinion, as opinions should remain separate from fact-based observations and conclusions.
Contextual analysis places events in a broader context, providing the background and historical information that helps readers understand their significance. It also considers the wider trends, patterns, and societal impacts of a news event. For example, if a protest occurs, contextual analysis may look at the cause of the protest and its relevance to current political events and societal attitudes toward the issue at hand.
Opinion analysis is a more subjective type of news analysis. It takes a particular position on an issue and presents the arguments that support the position. Opinion articles are designed to sway reader opinion, but should be well-researched and provide accurate information on the topic at hand.
In addition to identifying what the article is about, students should consider who it is targeted towards. This is a good opportunity to discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing news content, as it allows you to focus on what matters most to them. For example, a straight news article about a fire in Kansas City would likely be geared toward a large audience of local residents, while an opinion article on the same subject might target a more specific demographic of city council members or business owners.