The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is an American newspaper published in New York City. Its primary audience is business professionals who consume financial news 24/7 and are used to reading jargon and complex terminology. The WSJ also serves the interests of a broader, more general audience of people who are interested in economic news and finance topics. It is important to understand the differences between these two audiences so that journalists can tailor their content to best serve each group, while maintaining accuracy and integrity.
Readers appreciate tips they can actually use, like budgeting hacks or easy ways to improve credit scores. Creating articles with an approachable tone that speak to readers’ everyday lives, rather than using industry jargon, helps them feel supported by their news source and keeps them coming back for more. Comparison and review articles that break down the different options for financial products, such as interest rates, fees, or features, help readers find the right solution for their needs. Including tools and calculators in these articles can make them even more useful, making the information more practical and accessible.
Readers are interested in hearing the opinions of experts on major economic developments, particularly those who have no financial stake in the topic at hand. They are also intrigued by hearing directly from the people who are affected by business or economic trends, such as workers who lose their jobs or consumers whose prices are rising. Concise, thoughtful quotes from these sources add depth to a story driven by economic data and can help readers connect with a complicated subject.