...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.”

....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.

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.

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.

...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.

...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.