The document outlines the eight elements of news: timeliness, currency, conflict, consequence, prominence, proximity, human interest, and oddity. Each element highlights why a story is deemed newsworthy, such as its immediate relevance, impact on society, and connection to the audience. Furthermore, it states that the goals of journalism are to inform, educate, and entertain.

1. 8 Elements of News What is news? Why is it news? Why is it published?

2. Timeliness The news happened recently (since the last edition) It’s new , otherwise, we’d call it “olds” Almost every story has some timeliness aspect For example: A teen driver is hit by another car at the intersection of Miller and Russell today, in the newspaper tomorrow.

3. Currency No, not as in money It’s related to something else in the news. For example: A story on how many accidents have occurred at this intersection in the last few years.

4. Conflict War, elections, sports Any time there is a struggle For example: In an election year a lot of stories about the election are news. The conflict in Iraq is news.

5. Consequence The subject of a story has an impact on how people live their lives. For example: A story on a new curfew that will take effect, or a street that is under construction, or a scientific breakthrough

6. Prominence Elected, wealthy, famous For example: If I choke on a pretzel, it’s not news. When the president does, it is news.

7. Proximity Closeness, either because of geographical proximity or because of relationship For example: News about the area (geographical) or news about things of interest/concern to locals (relationship).

8. Human Interest “ Warm and fuzzy” feeling For example: Olympic athlete bios, Dateline “Survivor Stories”

9. Oddity Weird stuff For example: Something bizarre that just doesn’t fit anywhere else

10. Three goals of journalism Inform Educate Entertain