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Hard News vs. Soft News

     This article found on Vice News is a surprisingly perfect example of soft news, despite belonging to their section on Communism. Chines technology company Tencent has recently released an app that, believe it or not, allows you to virtually clap for their president. That's right, while you can't like a post on Facebook or watch a YouTube video, and you can't "Google" all your questions away, you can give your president all the claps he deserves, as well as compete with friends and family for the highest number of claps. This story qualifies as a soft news story because it doesn't cover any hard-hitting topics, and was more so written for entertainment rather than informative purposes.
     A recent story covered by the New York Times is an excellent example of hard news. The article discusses the C.I.A.'s expansion of its covert operations in Afghanistan, sending multiple small teams of highly experienced officers and contractors to work alongside Afghan forces in there hunt for Taliban militants across the country. Discussing politics and military actions, this example of hard news more so deals with facts than emotions, as it's not intended for entertainment.

      A perfect example of a hard-soft news mix, this story covered by People appeals to emotion while simultaneously dealing with war and politics. The news piece discusses the U.S. President Donald Trumps "condolences" to family members of those who've lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly in light of the recent ambush in Niger. While talking to the now widowed Myeshia Johnson, Trump reportedly couldn't remember her husbands' name. 
' It made me cry because I was very angry at the tone of his voice and how he said it, ' Myeshia said.
' He couldn’t remember my husband’s name.' 
     By using quotes like the one above, the article effectively appeals to human emotion, despite covering a story pertaining to military and politics. 

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