News values examples

News values are the criteria that journalists use to determine what is newsworthy and what is not. Here are some examples of news values:

1. Impact: Stories that have a significant impact on a large number of people are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a natural disaster that affects thousands of people would be considered more newsworthy than a minor accident that affects only a few individuals.

Example: A massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people, would be considered more newsworthy than a small fire in a local business that causes minimal damage.

2. Uniqueness: Stories that are unusual or unexpected are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a rare medical condition that affects only a few people would be considered more newsworthy than a common cold.

Example: A story about a person who has a rare genetic disorder that allows them to survive without a functioning immune system would be considered more newsworthy than a story about someone who has a common cold.

3. Proximity: Stories that affect people in the local community are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a local business that is closing down would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a business that is closing down in a different city.

Example: A story about a local school that is facing budget cuts would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a school in a different city that is facing similar budget cuts.

4. Human interest: Stories that have a human interest angle are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a person who has overcome a difficult challenge would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a new policy that has been implemented.

Example: A story about a person who has overcome a serious illness and is now advocating for others with the same condition would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a new policy that has been implemented to improve healthcare.

5. Conflict: Stories that involve conflict or controversy are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a dispute between two countries would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a peaceful agreement between two countries.

Example: A story about a labor dispute between a union and a company would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a peaceful agreement between the two parties.

6. Timeliness: Stories that are timely and relevant to current events are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a recent natural disaster would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a natural disaster that occurred several years ago.

Example: A story about a recent election would be considered more newsworthy than a story about an election that took place several years ago.

7. Prominence: Stories that involve prominent people or organizations are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a famous celebrity who has been involved in a scandal would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a local business owner who has been involved in a minor controversy.

Example: A story about a government official who has been accused of corruption would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a local official who has been accused of similar wrongdoing.

8. Novelty: Stories that are novel or unusual are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a new technology that has been developed would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a similar technology that has been around for several years.

Example: A story about a new medical treatment that has been approved would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a similar treatment that has been around for several years.

9. Sensationalism: Stories that are sensational or attention-grabbing are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a dramatic rescue would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a routine rescue.

Example: A story about a dramatic car chase would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a routine traffic stop.

10. Relevance: Stories that are relevant to the audience's interests and concerns are more likely to be considered newsworthy. For example, a story about a local issue that affects the audience's daily lives would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a national issue that is of little concern to the audience.

Example: A story about a local school district's budget cuts would be considered more newsworthy than a story about a national budget debate that is of little concern to the audience.