What is News?

 There really isn't a set definition of "news" for the journalist. "News" is a very flexible concept; an event may be "news" at one time, while a similar event may not be "news" at a different time. Instead of relying on a definition, journalists use a set of criteria to help them decide what is "news" for a given edition of a newscast or newspaper. Those criteria are discussed in more detail below.

 

Timeliness

Events that are happening, that have just happened, or that are likely to happen are news.

Proximity

Events that happen close to your audience are more newsworthy than events that happen far away.

Prominence

Events involving famous or well-known people are news.

Conflict

Events that involve a struggle over resources (defined in a broad sense) are news.

Impact

Events that affect the lives of your audience are news.

Novelty

Events that are unusual are news.

Human Interest

These stories are sometimes referred to as "soft" news. They usually involve lifestyles, popular trends, or personalities.