Periodical

• Type: Media, Publication
• Purpose: The primary medium for the dissemination of news, political discourse, academic research, and entertainment within the wizarding community.
• Key Features: Animated or moving photographs, delivery via owl post, and susceptibility to Ministry of Magic influence.
• Notable Examples: `The Daily Prophet`, `The Quibbler`, `Witch Weekly`, `Transfiguration Today`.

Wizarding periodicals are publications, such as newspapers and magazines, that closely resemble their Muggle counterparts in physical form. They are typically printed on paper and feature text and images. The most defining characteristic that sets them apart is the widespread use of moving black-and-white photographs, which are developed in a specific magical potion that animates the images. These publications are primarily distributed through a subscription-based owl post service, where owls deliver the latest issue directly to subscribers, often on a daily or weekly basis.

Periodicals serve as the backbone of mass communication in the magical world. They inform wizards and witches about current events, Ministry of Magic policy, Quidditch league standings, and societal news. Their most significant power, however, lies in their ability to shape public opinion. The content within these publications is not inherently immune to bias or manipulation. As demonstrated by `The Daily Prophet`, a periodical can be used as a powerful propaganda tool by entities like the Ministry of Magic or dark forces to discredit individuals, control information, and enforce a particular political narrative. Conversely, independent publications like `The Quibbler` can serve as vital counter-narratives, providing a platform for dissenting voices and truths ignored by the mainstream press. Some periodicals, particularly those aimed at a younger or more whimsical audience, may contain enchanted elements. For example, an issue of `The Quibbler` came with a free pair of `Spectrespecs`.

The wizarding world has a wide range of publications catering to various interests. The most prominent examples featured in the series include:

• `The Daily Prophet`: The most widely-read daily newspaper in wizarding Britain. It often reflects the official stance of the Ministry of Magic. Its evening and weekend editions are known as the `Evening Prophet` and `Sunday Prophet`, respectively. Its primary reporter on Hogwarts affairs for a time was the unscrupulous Rita Skeeter.
• `The Quibbler`: A magazine edited by Xenophilius Lovegood, father of Luna Lovegood. It is known for publishing outlandish articles on conspiracy theories and obscure magical creatures. Despite its reputation for absurdity, it becomes a bastion of pro-Potter sentiment during the Second Wizarding War.
• `Witch Weekly`: A popular magazine primarily for witches, featuring gossip columns, recipes, and contests such as the “Most-Charming-Smile Award.” It is a favourite of Molly Weasley.
• Academic Journals: The magical world also has numerous scholarly publications for specialized fields. These include `Transfiguration Today` (in which Albus Dumbledore published some of his early work), `Challenges in Charming`, and `The Practical Potioneer`.

Periodicals play a crucial and recurring role in the narrative, primarily by influencing the public's perception of Harry Potter and major events.

• In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Rita Skeeter's sensationalist and often false articles in `The Daily Prophet` and `Witch Weekly` turn public opinion against Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Rubeus Hagrid, causing them immense personal distress.
• In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, `The Daily Prophet`, under the direction of Minister Cornelius Fudge, wages a year-long smear campaign to discredit Harry and Albus Dumbledore, portraying them as liars and attention-seekers to suppress the truth of Lord Voldemort's return. In a pivotal moment of defiance, `The Quibbler` publishes Harry's exclusive interview, spreading his true account throughout the wizarding world.
• In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, `The Daily Prophet` falls completely under the control of the Death Eater-run Ministry of Magic, becoming a propaganda machine that hunts Harry (dubbed “Undesirable Number One”) and promotes pure-blood supremacy. This corruption of the mainstream press necessitates the creation of underground media like the `Potterwatch` radio show.

• J.K. Rowling has stated that the character of Rita Skeeter and the behavior of `The Daily Prophet` are a commentary on the real-world press. (J.K. Rowling interview)
• After retiring from her career as a professional Quidditch player for the `Holyhead Harpies`, Ginny Weasley went on to become the senior Quidditch correspondent for `The Daily Prophet`. (J.K. Rowling interview)
• The editor of `The Daily Prophet` during the 1990s was a wizard named Barnabas Cuffe. (Pottermore)
• In the film adaptations, the moving photographs in periodicals were a prominent visual effect, immediately establishing the magical nature of the wizarding world for viewers. (film)