News is an important part of a free society. Without an informed citizenry, democracy cannot exist. Journalists have a responsibility to provide accurate information while being independent from outside influences. In this unit, we’ll explore different factors that influence the news story. These include impact, proximity to the reader, controversy, currency, and prominence.
News is not only interesting; it also helps people. Whether it’s weather forecasts or train timings, people want to know about them. News also allows people to stay informed on government policies. Many newspapers also have columns on various educational and employment opportunities. These articles help people gain knowledge about various educational institutions and higher education opportunities.
The rise of social media platforms has increased the amount of information that journalists can gather. A study by Galtung and Ruge shows that audiences have a significant influence on the news that journalists publish. For example, 63 per cent of news consumers prefer soft news. For local news websites, conflict and proximity ranked among the most popular news values. This research shows how audiences’ choices and preferences influence the quality of news.
There are various models that help determine which stories are considered newsworthy. These models consider the importance of editorial content, deadlines, and access. Some of these models do not take into account the content of print and online media. Journalists choose stories based on their impact and relevance to their audience. Some stories are scandalous or violent, while others are local or timely.
Today, the Internet has been a major source of news propagation, particularly during government crackdowns. While traditional media outlets can be shut down with ease, mobile devices are harder to detect, making them a great option for citizen journalists. During the epoch of globalization, news organisations are increasingly leveraging social media to reach a wider audience.
A recent study conducted by Brighton and Foy suggests that the matrix of variables that Galtung and Ruge use to analyze news stories can still be useful. However, they point out that since the 1960s, news has changed significantly. Broadcast journalism, rolling news, and digital media have all changed, and the values associated with these media change as well. By examining these changes, Brighton and Foy propose their own set of factors for selecting and analysing news stories.
The media is deeply entwined with the government. Reporters and government officials need crises to make themselves appear in the news, and they often invent crises. As a result, these crises are often fabricated, which means the news media and the government cannot get the truth. They are not able to govern effectively.
Regardless of how effective social media are, the printed word still has value. The most effective way to reach policymakers and potential funders is through news stories. This section will help you create news stories and pitch them to the media. It also gives you tips for persuading the media to publish your story.