Journalism 101

Journalism 101

WHAT IS NEWSWORTHY?

Open Ended

What news stories are important to you?

Open Ended

Which news story is the most news worthy to you?

Poll

Do you believe there is a difference between information and news?

• Yes

• No

Timeliness Proximity

Immediate, current information and events are newsworthy because they have just recently occurred. It’s news because it’s “new.”

Proximity

Local information and events are newsworthy because they affect the people in our community and region. We care more about things that happen “close to home.”

Conflict & Controversy

When violence strikes or when people argue about actions, events, ideas or policies, we care. Conflict and controversy attract our attention by highlighting problems or differences within the community. 

Human Interest

People are interested in other people. Everyone has something to celebrate and something to complain about. We like unusual stories of people who accomplish amazing feats or handle a life crisis because we can identify with them. 

Relevance

People are attracted to information that helps them make good decisions. If you like to cook, you find recipes relevant. If you’re looking for a job, the business news is relevant. We need depend on relevant information that helps us make decisions. 

NEWSWORTHINESS

• ABOVE THE FOLD- in a position where it is seen first, for example on the top half of the front page of a newspaper or in the part of a web page that you see first when you open it. 

CENTERPIECE STORY

an item or issue intended to be a focus of attention. In online journalism it is the story that viewers see first on the webpage.

NEWSWORTHY PROJECT

Go online and find an example of a newsworthy story. Complete the template on your “Newsworthy Examples” Google Slide.