Lesson 1: News – Concepts and Determinants (Values)

We will deeply explore the concept of news, its significance, and the determinants that define its value. Understanding these concepts is fundamental for any journalist because news serves as the foundation of media communication. A journalist’s ability to identify what is newsworthy ensures that the audience stays informed, engaged, and aware of crucial events shaping their world.

1. What is News?

News is more than just a collection of events—it is a well-researched, factual, and objective account of occurrences that impact society. It serves as the bridge between reality and public perception. The term ‘news’ itself signifies something new, timely, and relevant to the audience. A good piece of news must be accurate, unbiased, and contextual so that it delivers a complete picture of an event.

A fundamental characteristic of news is that it is constantly evolving—what is news today may become history tomorrow. News is not just an account of isolated events but is shaped by social, economic, and political contexts. The manner in which it is reported can significantly influence public perception, making journalism a powerful force in democracy and society.

1.1 Definition of News

News can be understood through multiple perspectives. Some of the widely accepted definitions include:

• It is an account of current events that informs the public about issues that affect their lives.
• It is a factual and unbiased report of new occurrences that are of interest to a large group of people.
• News serves as a watchdog of democracy, ensuring transparency in governance and holding those in power accountable for their actions.

News is dynamic and multidimensional—what is considered newsworthy varies based on geography, audience interest, and media platform. While a local election may be headline news in one city, a global conflict may take precedence in international reporting. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for a journalist.

1.2 Purpose of News

News plays a critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing public opinion. Its primary purposes include:

• Informing the public: One of the primary roles of news is to keep society aware of current affairs, government policies, international relations, and local developments. People rely on news sources to make informed decisions about voting, business, and daily life.
• Educating society: News not only provides information but also gives context and in-depth analysis of events. Investigative journalism and explanatory news formats help the public understand complex issues such as economic policies, healthcare reforms, and scientific advancements.
• Acting as a check on power: Journalism serves as the fourth pillar of democracy. By uncovering corruption, injustice, and unethical practices, news organizations hold governments, corporations, and individuals accountable.
• Entertaining and engaging: News is not always serious—it also includes entertainment, lifestyle, and human interest stories that captivate audiences. This could range from celebrity news and sports coverage to feature stories about remarkable individuals.
• Mobilizing social change: News has the power to drive public opinion and influence societal change. Reporting on issues such as climate change, gender equality, and civil rights movements often leads to mass awareness and action.

A journalist must balance these purposes, ensuring that their reporting is accurate, relevant, and meaningful to their audience.

2. Determinants of News Value (Newsworthiness)

Not every event qualifies as news. For a story to be considered newsworthy, it must meet specific criteria that determine its value. These determinants help journalists prioritize stories and decide their prominence in media coverage. Below are the primary news values that define whether an event is worthy of being reported:

2.1 Timeliness

Timeliness is one of the most critical determinants of news value. News must be fresh, immediate, and relevant to the present moment. The faster an event is reported, the more impact it has. Audiences want to know what is happening now, not what happened weeks ago.

For example, a breaking news event such as an election result, a sudden natural disaster, or a major policy announcement carries high news value due to its immediacy. However, some stories, such as investigative pieces or historical retrospectives, can remain newsworthy over time if they reveal new insights or perspectives.

2.2 Proximity (Geographical Relevance)

The location of an event affects its newsworthiness. An event occurring closer to the audience is more relevant than one happening far away. Local news generally holds higher importance for regional audiences, while international news might be significant depending on the global impact.

For instance, a transport strike in your city will have a more direct effect on your daily life than a similar event happening in another country. However, global events like pandemics, economic recessions, and wars can override geographical proximity if they impact a broader population.

2.3 Impact or Consequence

The degree to which an event affects people determines its importance in news coverage. The larger the effect on the public, the higher its news value.

A new tax policy affecting millions of citizens is far more newsworthy than a minor change in a local ordinance. Similarly, a massive cyberattack impacting international financial systems would be considered high-impact news compared to a small-scale data breach.

2.4 Prominence (Influence of People and Institutions)

The involvement of prominent personalities, organizations, or institutions enhances the news value of a story. People are naturally curious about the actions of politicians, celebrities, corporate leaders, and public figures.

A speech by the Prime Minister on national security will be widely covered, whereas a similar statement by an unknown academic might not receive as much attention. Likewise, controversies involving high-profile individuals tend to dominate news cycles.

2.5 Human Interest

Human interest stories focus on individual experiences, emotions, and narratives that resonate deeply with the audience. These stories often highlight personal struggles, achievements, or extraordinary acts of kindness and courage.

For example, a news report about a child from a rural background winning a global science competition evokes inspiration and captures audience interest far more than a routine announcement.

2.6 Conflict and Controversy

Conflict drives engagement. Stories that involve political clashes, legal battles, protests, or debates generate curiosity and encourage discussions.

For instance, an ongoing trade war between two countries or a major political debate before an election becomes a center of attention. Conflicts between governments, activists, corporate rivals, or social groups often make the headlines.

2.7 Unusual or Extraordinary Events

Stories that are unexpected, strange, or bizarre tend to attract media attention. Anything that deviates from the norm piques curiosity and encourages readership.

A scientific breakthrough that allows humans to live on Mars or an individual surviving extreme conditions for weeks would be highly newsworthy due to their uniqueness.

Conclusion

News is a powerful tool that shapes society and influences public opinion. Identifying what is newsworthy requires an understanding of timeliness, impact, proximity, prominence, and human interest. By mastering these determinants, you will be able to craft compelling news stories that inform, engage, and drive social change.

As you progress in this unit, analyze real-world news through the lens of these values. A great journalist is not just a reporter of facts but a storyteller who brings meaningful events to life. 

Next Lesson: Structure and Perspectives of News