News is news that affects people – it could be anything from the latest celebrity gossip to an earthquake or a political crisis. It’s the kind of information that people want to hear about – or don’t – and it helps define what’s important in society.
The news value of an event is judged by five key factors: impact, proximity, controversy, prominence and currency. The more these elements are present, the greater the news value of a story.
Crime: Any crime is interesting but serious crimes make the biggest splashes. The robbery of a safe at a jewellery store is much more interesting than the theft of ten cents from a little girl. Money: Fortunes made and lost, school fees, taxes, budgets, wage rises, food prices, compensation claims and economic crises all grab the attention.
Other: Human interest stories, sex, showbusiness, animals, an unfolding drama or a good opportunity for humorous treatment, entertaining photographs or a witty headline. Bad news: Stories with particular conflict or tragedy – rescues and cures also qualify. Magnitude: The greater the number of people affected, the more significant the news story.
A free press has been called the oxygen of democracy – and it can only survive if its audience is informed. That means that the media must strive for truthfulness and independence from political influence. However, in an age of ever-growing specialisation and deregulation the media must find new ways to reach their audiences.