media 13 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Journalists Focus on Single 'W' from 5Ws and H for Functional Content
While the 5Ws and H form the backbone of traditional journalism, audiences often prioritize specific elements like 'what' or 'how,' driving functional and explanatory content in sections such as health, cooking, and finance. Ugandan media can learn from outlets like Colombia's Economía para la Pipol and local social media creators to simplify complex topics for the public. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/charles-bichachi/when-journalists-pick-one-w-from-the-5ws-and-h--5389662
The classic 5Ws and H—who, what, when, where, why, and how—have long guided news storytelling across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Taught rigorously in journalism training, these elements ensure comprehensive reporting.
However, news consumers don’t always seek the full set. Many prefer targeted information, such as ‘what’ over ‘when’ or ‘how’ over ‘why.’ This preference fuels content segmentation beyond straight news, including features and functional journalism.
Functional content emphasizes practical advice: how to perform tasks, what actions to take or avoid, and optimal timing. It thrives in media sections on cooking, health, farming, finance, and business, offering explanations of concepts, impacts, and navigation strategies.
A prime example is Colombia’s Economía para la Pipol, a digital outlet and YouTube channel that breaks down economic news, policies, and concepts in simple, jargon-free language. It covers everyday effects like healthcare reforms and wage changes, even using an AI chatbot for user queries, aiming to make economics accessible to all.
In Uganda, similar explanatory work occurs on platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok, led by non-journalists in finance, real estate, and investments. These creators address public knowledge gaps that formal media has yet to fully fill.
Media houses and journalists could adopt this model, prioritizing one key ‘W’ to deliver clearer, more relevant content and bridge informational divides.
The article also shares reader feedback on Daily Monitor content, praising features while noting gaps in serialization and weekend editions.