You don’t have to be a Wall Street broker or “finance bro” to enjoy or understand business news. But the subject matter can be intimidating, especially for readers who aren’t familiar with terms like “cash flow,” “EBITDA” and “ROI.” And even if you do have a grasp on these concepts, understanding complex financial reporting can be hard. The good news is that journalists can take steps to make these stories more accessible and less intimidating for everyone.
For example, using visual aids like line graphs and infographics can help people better understand complex data. And if you can use real-world examples that resonate with your audience, that’s even better. For instance, if you’re reporting on inflation, showing how price hikes may impact items like food, rent and gas — things that every person needs to survive — can hit home for readers.
Another way to demystify business news is to speak like you’re talking to a friend or someone at the bar, Cheung said. This means avoiding jargon and keeping your language simple, but not dumbing it down. “Speaking in an approachable tone is a great way to ease the intimidation factor of business news for your audience,” she adds.
For more information on business news, check out the Library’s collection of print and online resources. You can also ask a librarian for assistance through our Ask-A-Librarian service.