News values in journalism
News values are the criteria used by journalists to determine what is newsworthy and what is not. They are the principles that guide the selection and prioritization of news stories, and are often used to help journalists make decisions about what to cover and how to cover it. Here are some common news values in journalism:
- Impact: How significant is the event or issue? Will it affect a large number of people or have a significant impact on society?
- Uniqueness: Is the story unusual or unexpected? Does it break new ground or challenge conventional wisdom?
- Proximity: Is the story local or relevant to the audience? Does it affect people in the same community or region?
- Prominence: Is the person or organization involved in the story well-known or influential? Does it have a high profile or reputation?
- Human interest: Is the story about people and their experiences? Does it have emotional resonance or appeal to readers' emotions?
- Conflict: Is there a conflict or controversy involved in the story? Does it involve opposing views or interests?
- Timeliness: Is the story time-sensitive? Does it have a deadline or a limited window of opportunity for coverage?
- Novelty: Is the story new or unusual? Does it offer a fresh perspective or insight?
- Relevance: Is the story relevant to the audience's interests or concerns? Does it have implications for their daily lives?
- Sensationalism: Is the story shocking, surprising, or attention-grabbing? Does it have the potential to attract a large audience?
These news values are not mutually exclusive, and journalists often consider multiple values when deciding what to cover. For example, a story that is both unusual and has a significant impact on the community may be considered more newsworthy than a story that is only one of those things.
It's worth noting that news values can vary depending on the type of media outlet, the audience, and the cultural context. For example, a local newspaper may prioritize stories that are relevant to the community, while a national news organization may prioritize stories that have a broader impact.
Here are some examples of how news values might be applied in different contexts:
- A local newspaper might prioritize a story about a new business opening in the community because it is relevant to the audience and has a positive impact on the local economy.
- A national news organization might prioritize a story about a major political scandal because it has a significant impact on the country and involves prominent figures.
- A tabloid newspaper might prioritize a story about a celebrity's personal life because it is sensational and attracts a large audience.
Overall, news values are an important part of the journalism process, as they help journalists make decisions about what to cover and how to cover it in a way that is relevant and engaging to their audience.