3. Timing
• Timing refers to events and happenings that are “new” (just
occurred).
• The more current an event the more newsworthy.
• In the 24/7 news cycle, events become old very fast.
• A story can be repeated after a few days, but only if there is
something “new” to report that refreshes it.
4. Significance
• Significance refers to a stories impact
• The number of people affected by the happening is a major factor in
determining newsworthiness.
• The more people involved in an event the more newsworthy
• He “degree” to which a happening affects people is important
5. Proximity
• Proximity refers to how close the happening is to us
• The closer to home the more newsworthy
• Proximity does not just refer to geographical distance, it also refers to
familiarity or similarity (US with Canada and England)
6. Prominence
• Prominence refers to how well known the person, place or event is.
• A well known person doing something “slightly” out of the ordinary
can create a newsworthy event.
• We tend to be interested in famous people (sports, entertainment,
politics etc.)
7. Oddity
• Oddity refers to happens that are not ordinary
• The more unusual the happening the more newsworthy
• Strangeness alone can make something newsworthy
• A dog biting a man is NOT a newsworthy event, but a man biting a
dog is a newsworthy event.
8. Human Interest
• Human Interest refers to happens that appeal to our emotions
• It can be a humorous event
• It can be a sad event
• Keep in mind Human Interest stories usually do not meet all the
requirements of newsworthiness, but we love them and hence are
interested in them.
