3.1 Defining news and news values

News is the lifeblood of journalism, delivering timely information that impacts the public. It plays a crucial role in keeping people informed, holding power accountable, and fostering public discourse on important issues.

Key news values like timeliness, impact, proximity, prominence, novelty, conflict, and human interest determine newsworthiness. These values help journalists decide which stories to cover and how to present them to engage audiences effectively.

Understanding News and News Values

Definition and role of news

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• News communicates timely information about recent events, issues, or people that interests or impacts the public
• Journalism gathers, verifies, and presents news to inform the public
• News plays a vital role in journalism by:
  • Keeping the public informed about significant events and issues
  • Holding those in power accountable for their actions and decisions
  • Facilitating public discourse and debate on important topics
  • Providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard

Key news values for newsworthiness

• Timeliness: How recent or current the event or information is (breaking news, developing stories)
• Impact: The significance and consequences of the event or issue on the public (natural disasters, policy changes)
• Proximity: The geographical and psychological closeness of the event or issue to the audience (local news, community events)
• Prominence: The involvement of well-known individuals, organizations, or institutions (celebrities, politicians, major corporations)
• Novelty: The uniqueness, rarity, or unexpected nature of the event or issue (scientific discoveries, unusual human experiences)
• Conflict: The presence of disagreement, tension, or controversy (political debates, legal disputes)
• Human interest: Stories that evoke emotions and resonate with the audience on a personal level (inspiring personal achievements, overcoming adversity)

Timeliness, proximity and impact in news

• Timeliness:
  • News is most valuable when it is current and relevant to the present moment
  • Audiences are more interested in recent events and developments (election results, product launches)
  • Timely reporting helps the public stay informed and make decisions based on the latest information
• Proximity:
  • Events and issues that are geographically or psychologically close to the audience are more newsworthy
  • Local news often takes precedence over distant events (city council meetings, neighborhood events)
  • Proximity helps the audience relate to and engage with the news on a personal level
• Impact:
  • Events and issues with significant consequences for the public are more newsworthy
  • The greater the impact, the more important the news is considered (economic recessions, public health crises)
  • Impact can be measured in terms of the number of people affected, the severity of the consequences, or the potential for long-term effects

Novelty and prominence in news value

• Novelty:
  • Unusual, rare, or unexpected events and issues capture the audience's attention and pique their interest
  • Novelty adds a compelling element to news stories (record-breaking achievements, innovative inventions)
  • Examples include the discovery of a new species, a groundbreaking medical treatment, or a unique cultural event
• Prominence:
  • Events and issues involving well-known individuals, organizations, or institutions are more newsworthy
  • Prominent figures and entities have a greater impact on the public and are of greater interest to the audience
  • Examples include a celebrity's philanthropic work, a major company's merger, or a renowned expert's insights on a topic