Eight news values

The eight news values, also known as the "news values" or "news criteria," are a set of principles used by journalists and news organizations to determine what stories are newsworthy and worth reporting. These values were first identified by Swedish journalist Sigurd Allie in the 1950s and have since been widely adopted by news organizations around the world. The eight news values are:

  1. Human interest: Stories that focus on people and their personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs are often considered newsworthy. This value emphasizes the emotional connection between the audience and the story.
  2. Impact: Stories that have a significant impact on a large number of people, such as natural disasters, economic crises, or major policy changes, are considered newsworthy.
  3. Uniqueness: Stories that are unusual, unexpected, or unprecedented are often considered newsworthy, as they provide a fresh perspective or a departure from the ordinary.
  4. Proximity: Stories that occur close to home, either geographically or emotionally, are often considered newsworthy. This value emphasizes the importance of local news and the connection between the audience and the story.
  5. Prominence: Stories that involve well-known individuals, organizations, or institutions are often considered newsworthy, as they have a high level of visibility and influence.
  6. Timeliness: Stories that are timely and relevant to current events are often considered newsworthy, as they provide insight into what's happening now and why it matters.
  7. Conflict: Stories that involve conflict, controversy, or drama are often considered newsworthy, as they provide a compelling narrative and a sense of tension or uncertainty.
  8. Novelty: Stories that are new, innovative, or groundbreaking are often considered newsworthy, as they provide a fresh perspective or a departure from the ordinary.

These news values are not mutually exclusive, and many stories may fit into multiple categories. By considering these values, journalists and news organizations can determine what stories are most likely to engage and inform their audience.