Service journalism
Consumer-oriented features and advice
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Service journalism is journalism focused on providing useful information and advice to readers, particularly consumer information.[1]
While public service journalism is about reporting issues that concern citizens and equipping them to form reasoned opinions on matters of shared interest,[2] service journalism is generally consumer-oriented and includes advice, ranging from the serious to the frivolous. Service journalism is "actionable" for the reader and is described as "news you can use".[3][4]
History
Service journalism was pioneered in part by Clay Felker, who launched New York magazine in 1968.[5] Published among lengthy investigative and literary pieces were tips and features on fashion, food, and travel. Service journalism appears in magazines as varied as Maxim and U.S. News & World Report.
News publishers perceived less relevance for service journalism in 2025, concurrent with the general availability of generative AI.[6]