News Values
v Impact: The
importance. The story’s consequence of an event or trend. Whether or not the
story impacts a great number of people. E.g.: tax cuts
v Timeliness: The more
recent, the more newsworthy. In some cases, timeliness is relative. An event
may have occurred in the past but only have been learned about recently.
v Prominence: this is
the order of importance, well-known individuals or institutions are newsworthy.
Whether people or institutions are well recognised is judged by the amount of
power they possess. For example: the president, or celebrity: fashion designer-
Gianni Versace.
v Proximity: Locality
of the event to a specific region, geographically – close by events. Sometimes
there may be news which is relevant to a certain region therefore the target
audience will be of that region.
v The Bizarre: The
unusual or unexpected which attracts attention. Things which occur occasionally
and are interesting or funny to read. E.G.: Suarez’ second time biting another
footballer during a football game.
v Conflict:
Controversy and open clashes are newsworthy, inviting attention on their own,
almost regardless of what the conflict is over. Conflict may be over many
things ranging from different groups in society. It can be over institutions
and individuals (cases of libel). Stories of war are also newsworthy.
v Currency:
Occasionally something becomes an idea whose time has come. The matter assumes
a life of its own, and for a time assumes momentum in news reportage.
v Human Interest: These are
stories which many people find interesting because these stories offer more
entertainment in comparison to any other news values.
This research has taught me that I must consider
all of these points and thoroughly but quickly analyse all stories making sure
they share at least 1 or two of these factors for it to be newsworthy and
attract my target audience.
