News Values

AIJI 2006 News Values

TIMELINESS
Answers the reader's question, "Why are you telling me this now?"

PROXIMITY
Happened in or near the community.

NOVELTY
Out-of-the ordinary events. "Man bites dog!"

CELEBRITY
Do we bother with every first-time parent? No. But we do read about Britney Spears.

HUMAN INTEREST
People like us, facing unusual situations. How Mabel Fuzzworth overcame the squirrels in her chimney, or leukemia, or the city's decision to take away her chicken coop.

CONFLICT /CONTROVERSY
People in conflict with governments, with neighbors, with organizations, with schools, with nature.

IMPACT
Will this affect one person tremendously, or will it affect lots of people in a small way?

EVERYBODY'S TALKING
Reader interest