News Values

These are the essential elements of every good news story. Most readers are aware of these six questions, but there many other values that contribute to the definition of news. Gerald Lanson and Mitchell Stephens, authors of Writing and Reporting The News, emphasize eleven judgments that journalism students should make when evaluating newsworthiness(11).

Impact

The facts and events that have the greatest effect on the audience are the most newsworthy

Weight

The significance of a particular fact or event lies in its value with respect to other facts or events

Controversy

Arguments, debates, charges, countercharges, and fights increase the value of news

Emotion

Take into account human interests that touch our emotions

The Unusual

When a dog bites a man it's not news. But when a man bites a dog, it is news. (Old journalistic cliche)

Prominence

More prominent individuals are given more attention

Proximity

Concentrate on news that is of local interest; the closer to home the better

Timeliness

Emphasize what is new

Currency

Take into account what is on people's minds

Usefulness

Help the audience answer questions and solve problems in their daily lives

Educational Value

Make readers more knowledgeable rather than merely informed

While these values help determine what is reported in both print and television news, the medium also shapes the message.