Determiners of news
Determiners of news refer to the factors that influence the selection, presentation, and dissemination of news by the media. Here are some of the key determiners of news:
- Power and influence: News is often shaped by those who have the power and influence to shape public opinion. This includes government officials, corporate leaders, and other individuals with significant resources and reach.
- Economic interests: The media is often driven by economic interests, such as ratings, advertising revenue, and circulation numbers. This can lead to a focus on sensational or provocative stories that attract a large audience.
- Cultural and social norms: News is influenced by the cultural and social norms of the society in which it is produced. This can include biases, stereotypes, and assumptions that are embedded in the news narrative.
- Political ideology: The media is often influenced by the political ideology of the journalists and editors who produce the news. This can lead to a biased or slanted presentation of the news.
- Geographic location: News is often shaped by the geographic location of the media outlet. Local news outlets may focus on local issues and events, while national or international outlets may focus on broader issues and events.
- Time and timing: The timing of news can be a significant determinant of what is reported and how it is presented. Breaking news, for example, may receive more attention than a story that is several days old.
- Source and credibility: The credibility and reliability of the sources used to gather and report news can significantly influence the news narrative. Sources may include government officials, experts, witnesses, and other individuals with relevant information.
- Sensationalism and drama: The media often prioritizes sensational or dramatic stories that attract a large audience. This can lead to a focus on conflict, controversy, and tragedy rather than more nuanced or complex issues.
- Technology and social media: The rise of social media and other digital technologies has changed the way news is produced, disseminated, and consumed. This has created new opportunities for news to be shared and discussed, but also new challenges for journalists and media outlets.
- Audience and public opinion: The media is often influenced by the audience and public opinion. Journalists and editors may prioritize stories that are likely to resonate with their audience or reflect public opinion.
- Journalistic values and ethics: Journalistic values and ethics, such as objectivity, fairness, and accuracy, can also influence the determinants of news. Journalists may prioritize stories that are well-sourced, balanced, and accurate, even if they are not sensational or dramatic.
- Historical context: The historical context in which news is produced can also influence the determinants of news. Journalists and editors may draw on past events and experiences to inform their reporting and analysis.
These determiners of news are not mutually exclusive, and they often interact and influence one another in complex ways.