What is News in the 21st Century? A presentation made for the students of an Undergraduate course on Principles of Journalism explains.

2. It’s news if…

4. 1. Timeliness
If something is happening NOW, it is
more newsworthy than if it happened
yesterday or last week or two weeks
ago.
Oftentimes the most newsworthy
element in the story is the most
recent happening, the latest thing in
a series of happenings which relate
to the news event.

5. Example: Panama Papers

6. 2. Proximity
How close to your readers is this event taking place?
All other things being equal, something that is
happening in or near their location is much more
meaningful to them than something taking place
across town or across the world.
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).

7. Example: Avalanche in
Chitral

8. 3. Prominence
Is a well-known person part of the story?
Or did someone achieve prominence?
Readers like to read about people they
know.
If a person is well-known or did something
noteworthy, more readers will be
interested than if a person who is
mentioned is not known.

9. Example: Jolie/Pitt divorce

10. 4. Oddity
If something is out of the
ordinary, it may be
newsworthy just because of
that fact.
The strange or unusual is
fascinating to many readers.

11. Example: Killer Lychees

12. 5. Consequence
The subject of a story has an
impact on how people live their
lives.
How will this event impact your
readers?
How important is it?

13. Example: Trump’s ban

14. 6. Conflict
Is there a conflict between persons
in the story?
A rivalry?
A misunderstanding?
People are naturally drawn to
conflict and find it fascinating.

15. Example: ISIS

16. 7. Human Interest
Anything that appeals to the
reader’s emotions.
Does it make him laugh, cry, get
angry, feel sympathy, etc.?
It’s usually considered “Warm
and Fuzzy”

17. Example: Huffington Post

18. Three goals of journalism
• Inform
• Educate
• Entertain

19. Exercise 1: News
Judgment
Select stories out of the
handout that you believe
are genuinely
newsworthy

20. Why did you select that
news?
Why did you choose the
stories you did?
What do you think the key
ingredients of a good story
are?
What are the most important
elements of a good story?

21. Assignment : Case Study
You will select one case study from the provided
ICFJ Handbook, analyse the case and present.
I want a thorough analysis and reasoning
through:
A group presentation
500 words analytical paper [each], which answers
the questions provided in the certain case study.
Due date: 1st March 2017 [20 marks]