El debate en torno a los géneros periodísticos en la prensa: nuevas propuestas de clasificación

Abstract

The traditional classifying theory of journalistic genres was initially conceived as an instrument for the quantitative sociological analysis of the texts that were published in newspapers. Later it became a useful philological doctrine for literary and linguistic critical assessment and, at the same time, a reliable method for the curricular design of the undergraduate degree in Journalism. The conventional system of genres is a much debated issue nowadays. The main criticism to this debate is it prooving insufficient for accomodating the enormous diversity of subgenres that appeared and continue to appear as a result of the evolution of journalistic profession, which tends to the proliferation of mixed genres and is influenced by audiovisual media. The best way to understand the debate is knowing some of the classifying theories that appear as alternatives to the traditional one, some of which take into consideration small modifications whereas others propose significant innovations. Therefore, the main challenge faced by those who have been critical of the traditional classifying theory is to establish an adequate tipology of genres adapted to the constantly changing scene of journalism.