The document outlines the six components that make an event newsworthy: timing, significance, proximity, prominence, oddity, and human interest. Timing refers to recent events. Significance means the number of people affected. Proximity is about geographical or cultural closeness. Prominence involves famous people. Oddity means unusual occurrences. Human interest pertains to emotional stories. Some events contain all six components, while others may only involve a few.

1. The Six Components of a Newsworthy Event
• Timing
• Significance
• Proximity
• Prominence
• Oddity
• Human Interest

2. Take Note
Some events/happenings
contain all Six Components…
Some do NOT.

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.