Raporteetstyle

Raporteetstyle is a journalistic and narrative non-fiction approach that emphasizes building rapport with sources and audiences while preserving reporting rigor. It seeks to combine transparent sourcing and empathetic storytelling with a modular, reader-responsive structure that adapts to different platforms. The term appeared in digital-media discourse in the early 2020s as a coined label for methods that mix traditional verification with participatory and reflexive practices.

Key principles include prioritizing trust through open communication with sources, contextualized sourcing that highlights voices from affected communities, careful attribution, and a commitment to avoiding sensationalism. Reporters may use extended qualitative interviews, iterative drafting, and explicit acknowledgement of uncertainties. The narrative voice tends to be clear but unobtrusive, with factual checks and accessible explanations for complex topics. Content is often designed to be browsable on multiple platforms, with supplemental materials and cross-referenced reader guidance.

Practices of Raporteetstyle include early-stage interviews that seek mutual understanding, transparent discussion of editorial choices, and incorporation of user-generated or community-provided materials with verification. It favors representation of diverse perspectives and aims to empower readers to explore related aspects of a story via linked modules or sidebars rather than presenting a single definitive account.

Reception has been mixed: supporters credit it with increased trust, inclusivity, and reader agency; critics warn it may blur critical distance, slow production, or introduce subjectivity. It is taught in some journalism programs as a framework for ethical, participatory reporting.

See also: participatory journalism, transparent reporting, new journalism, data journalism.