It isn’t News until it's Newsworthy!

June 6, 2017

So, what makes a newsworthy story?

'News' is noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events. However, what might seem newsworthy to you may not appear newsworthy to a journalist. Reporters and the general public want a good story. The story should be relevant and interesting to the journalist and the journalist’s audience. If you’re looking for media coverage, keep in mind that the story is always going to be the journalist’s call.

When you pitch your story, the following factors listed below can help transition your story from 'News' to 'Newsworthy'.

1) Timing

When you have news to share it often means one thing "its new", or maybe it’s not new but undeniably current. We live in an era where news is quickly updated and spread like wildfire and old news is quickly discarded. If you have news to share today, get it out today because last week’s news has already been forgotten.

2) Significance

How relevant is your story to the audience? Does it impact their lives? Is there a large number of people who are affected by the story? Does it relay information or events that can influence or impact the audience? If the story hits the right areas with the right audience, there is a higher chance of receiving coverage.

3) Proximity

Proximity refers to how close the story is to the audience which can be based on geographical, cultural and/or social proximity. The closer the story is to home or relatability, the more likely the story is of relevance and garnishes more attention.

4) Prominence

Newsworthy stories are often associated with well-known people, events, places, and/or trends. People tend to be interested in things that are already a big deal such as celebrities. A story about your friend breaking their leg isn’t considered news, but if Brad Pitt were to break his leg it would be all over our screens, in magazines etc. That doesn’t mean you have to be known to have newsworthy information, however, prominence does often account for it.

5) Odd or Unusual

This type of news is often led by unexpected headlines such as "man bites do". Unusual stories add an element of surprise, humour, shock and instant buzz. Although this type of news may not be longstanding it does get people talking for that moment.

6) Conflict

Conflict in a story often gives rise to that story, and reporters are 'storytellers' who know how to tell that 'story'. Disagreement gets into the media quicker than agreement. That’s why stories relating to politics and sports often make easy news.

7) Human Interest

Stories that satisfy human interest. This can be stories that are inspiring, emotional, compelling, amusing even stories with scandal. All these categories fall under human interest as it can impact the audience emotionally.

8) Extremes or superlatives

If you’re the first, last, biggest, smallest, best, worst etc. it’s going to catch the attention of a journalist and make the story more newsworthy.

9) Challenging beliefs

Often considered controversial topics. This can include homosexual, religious, gender, and racial movements or ground-breaking science that debunks previous research and studies.

There are several factors to consider when turning News into 'Newsworthy' stories. Keep your story relevant to the audience you're targeting, whether it is controversial, unusual or close to home. If you don’t know where to start, find a related media outlet and check out the stories they have already written.

Find out more about News Coverage topics at Sources.com
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For more information contact:
Tasha Meeuwenoord
Sources
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Website: www.sources.com