Why is understanding the target audience important for journalists?

• A. To cater stories to public relations needs
• B. To effectively communicate and engage readers
• C. To avoid covering controversial topics
• D. To increase news subscriptions

Answer: (B)

Understanding the target audience is crucial for journalists because it directly influences how they communicate their stories and engage with readers. By knowing who their audience is—such as their interests, demographics, and preferences—journalists can tailor their content to resonate more deeply with that specific group. This means not only selecting topics that are relevant and appealing but also adjusting the language and format to suit the audience's understanding and preferences.

When journalists successfully engage their readers, it fosters a connection that enhances the impact of the story. It can also lead to more discussions, sharing on social media, and overall audience retention, as readers feel that the content speaks to them personally. This engagement is fundamental in an era where audience attention is fragmented and competition for that attention is fierce.

While catering to public relations, avoiding controversies, and increasing subscriptions can be relevant factors in journalism, these are secondary to the primary goal of effectively communicating with and engaging the audience. By prioritizing audience understanding, journalists create more meaningful content that fulfills the need for useful and relevant information.