Characteristics of news values
News values refer to the criteria that journalists and news organizations use to determine what is newsworthy and what is not. The characteristics of news values can vary depending on the context, culture, and medium, but here are some common characteristics:
- Relevance: Is the story relevant to the audience? Does it affect their daily lives or interests?
- Novelty: Is the story new, unusual, or unexpected? Does it break a new story or provide fresh insights?
- Impact: Does the story have significant consequences or implications? Does it affect a large number of people or have a significant impact on society?
- Human interest: Does the story involve human drama, emotion, or personal stories? Does it appeal to people's emotions and empathy?
- Conflict: Is there a conflict or controversy involved in the story? Does it pit one group against another or raise questions about power and authority?
- Prominence: Is the story about a well-known person, organization, or institution? Does it involve a celebrity, politician, or business leader?
- Timeliness: Is the story timely and relevant to current events? Does it provide insight into a recent development or trend?
- Proximity: Is the story local or relevant to the audience's geographic location? Does it involve a local issue or event?
- Sensationalism: Is the story sensational, shocking, or attention-grabbing? Does it involve a dramatic or unexpected twist?
- Authority: Is the story based on credible sources and authorities? Does it involve expert opinions or official statements?
- Exclusivity: Is the story exclusive or unique to the news organization? Does it provide a scoop or a first look at a developing story?
- Visuals: Does the story involve compelling visuals, such as images, videos, or graphics? Does it have a strong visual component that can be used to tell the story?
- Emotional appeal: Does the story evoke emotions such as fear, anger, or sympathy? Does it create a sense of urgency or concern?
- Surprise: Is the story unexpected or surprising? Does it challenge assumptions or defy expectations?
- Repetition: Is the story part of a larger pattern or trend? Does it involve repetition or a series of similar events?
These characteristics of news values are not mutually exclusive, and news organizations often use a combination of them to determine what is newsworthy.