News values
News values refer to the criteria that journalists and editors use to determine what is newsworthy and what is not. These values are often subjective and can vary depending on the context, culture, and audience. Here are some common news values:
- Relevance: Is the story relevant to the audience? Does it affect their daily lives or interests?
- Novelty: Is the story new or unusual? Does it break new ground or challenge existing knowledge?
- 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 involve opposing views or interests?
- Prominence: Is the story about a well-known person, organization, or institution? Does it involve a high-profile figure or event?
- Timeliness: Is the story timely and relevant to current events? Does it have a sense of urgency or importance?
- Proximity: Is the story local or relevant to the audience's geographic location? Does it involve events or issues that are close to home?
- Sensationalism: Is the story shocking, surprising, or attention-grabbing? Does it have a "wow" factor that grabs the audience's attention?
- 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? Does it provide new information or insights that are not available elsewhere?
- Emotional appeal: Does the story evoke emotions such as fear, anger, or excitement? Does it create a sense of drama or tension?
These news values are not mutually exclusive, and stories often involve multiple values. Journalists and editors use these values to evaluate the newsworthiness of a story and decide whether to cover it.