Impact

Definition

Impact refers to the significant effect or influence that a news story can have on its audience, society, or events. It plays a crucial role in determining newsworthiness, as stories with high impact often resonate deeply with the public, prompting awareness, discussion, and sometimes action. A story's impact can be measured in terms of its emotional response, the changes it inspires, or the conversations it generates within the community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impact is often evaluated based on how a story affects public opinion, inspires action, or leads to changes in policy or behavior.
2. Stories that cover significant events, such as natural disasters or political upheaval, usually have a higher impact due to their broader implications.
3. Local stories can also have a profound impact if they resonate deeply with community members, highlighting issues they care about.
4. The potential for a story's impact is a key factor in news selection processes among journalists and news organizations.
5. Impact can be both immediate, like breaking news events, or long-term, such as ongoing social movements that evolve from initial reports.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of impact influence the selection of news stories by journalists?
  • Journalists consider the concept of impact to determine which stories will resonate most with their audience. Stories that promise to evoke strong emotional responses or that are likely to provoke discussions are often prioritized. This is because stories with high impact not only inform but can also inspire actions within the community or lead to societal changes. Therefore, understanding what will engage the audience is crucial for journalists in their decision-making process.
• Evaluate how the impact of local stories can compare to national or international news when determining newsworthiness.
  • Local stories can sometimes have an impact equal to or greater than national or international news based on their relevance to the audience. When local events resonate deeply with community members—such as a local hero's actions or significant local policy changes—they can evoke strong emotional responses and community discussions. These stories become important because they directly affect people's lives and often lead to tangible actions within the community, demonstrating that impact isn't solely dependent on the scale of the story.
• Analyze the role of social media in amplifying the impact of news stories on audiences today.
  • Social media plays a transformative role in amplifying the impact of news stories by providing platforms for immediate sharing and discussion. When a significant event occurs, platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow users to spread information rapidly, enhancing both reach and engagement. This instant access can escalate public reactions and mobilize community responses almost in real-time. Moreover, social media enables diverse voices and perspectives to contribute to the conversation, influencing how stories are perceived and understood, thus reinforcing their overall impact.

Related terms

Relevance: The importance of a news story in relation to the audience’s interests or current societal issues.

Consequences: The outcomes or effects that follow a particular event or news story, which can further illustrate its impact.

Audience Engagement: The level of interest and interaction that an audience has with a news story, which can be influenced by its perceived impact.