News values

Definition

News values are the criteria that journalists and news organizations use to determine the newsworthiness of an event or story. These values help guide editorial decisions, influencing which stories get reported, how they are covered, and what details are highlighted. Understanding news values is essential for recognizing why certain stories capture public interest while others may be overlooked.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Key news values include timeliness, proximity, impact, novelty, conflict, and human interest, which all contribute to how a story is perceived by editors and audiences.
2. Stories that involve prominent figures or events tend to be prioritized due to their potential to attract more attention from readers.
3. Local events often hold more significance than international ones due to proximity, as they are more relevant to the immediate audience.
4. Journalists often weigh the potential societal impact of a story against the level of public interest it may generate when determining its news value.
5. Cultural relevance can play a huge role in news values; stories that resonate with current social issues or movements are often given more attention.

Review Questions

• How do news values influence the selection and presentation of news stories in journalism?
  • News values guide journalists in selecting which stories to report based on factors like relevance and appeal. For example, a story with a high impact may take precedence over one that is merely interesting. Editors also consider timeliness; recent events are more likely to be featured prominently. This process shapes not just what news is presented but also how it is framed for audiences.
• Discuss how the concept of proximity affects news values in determining which stories are reported.
  • Proximity plays a significant role in news values as it refers to the geographical closeness of an event to the audience. Local stories are generally considered more relevant because they directly affect the community. For instance, a natural disaster occurring in one's own city would likely receive more coverage than one happening far away. This helps create a sense of connection and urgency among readers.
• Evaluate how changing social dynamics influence news values and the way stories are chosen for coverage.
  • Changing social dynamics, such as shifts in public interest or emerging social movements, significantly influence news values by altering what is considered important or relevant. For example, issues related to climate change or racial justice have gained prominence in recent years, leading media outlets to prioritize these topics. Journalists must adapt their understanding of news values to reflect these changes in societal concerns, which can lead to a more diverse range of stories being covered.

Related terms

newsworthiness:

The quality that makes an event or story worthy of being reported in the news, often based on its significance, relevance, and appeal to the audience.

journalistic standards: The ethical and professional guidelines that journalists adhere to when reporting news, including accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.

audience engagement:

The process of attracting and maintaining the interest of the audience through various storytelling techniques and platforms in journalism.