Entertainment news encompasses the world of film, TV and music. While it can be viewed as “fluff” or not important enough to report on, Pepperdine alumna Gabby Gonta (2018) said she loves working in this area of journalism because it helps to bridge the gap between Hollywood glitz and the lives of celebrities for everyday people. It also allows her to interview creatives and get to know them on a more personal level.
As the line between hard and soft news blurred in the 1980s, communications theorists coined the term infotainment to describe this trend. This can be seen today in the verbal jousting of cable news shows, where it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether the purpose is to entertain or perform one of journalism’s primary roles: inform.
However, the blurring of these lines can also have its benefits, especially if it is used as a platform to shed light on social issues that affect the public. For example, when a celebrity makes a statement that can be perceived as offensive or problematic, it can spark conversation and help to bring awareness to important issues such as diversity and equality in the media.
In addition to the above sources, it’s worth checking out some of the more niche outlets such as Deadline, which covers everything from box office numbers and upcoming projects to union news and casting announcements. These outlets often have a more targeted and engaged audience, which can lead to greater impact for your story or campaign.