Impact

Definition

Impact refers to the effect or influence that a news story or event has on its audience and society as a whole. In journalism, understanding impact is crucial because it helps journalists prioritize stories that resonate with the public and address significant issues. A strong impact can enhance a story's relevance, ensuring it captures attention and fosters engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impact is often assessed based on how many people are affected by the news event, including social, economic, and political implications.
2. A story with a high impact often addresses issues of public concern, making it more likely to be prioritized in news coverage.
3. The effectiveness of a lead can enhance the overall impact of a story by quickly conveying its importance to the audience.
4. Editorial judgment involves considering impact when selecting which stories to cover, as impactful stories are more likely to engage readers and prompt action.
5. Journalists should aim to highlight the impact of their stories by including relevant statistics, personal anecdotes, or expert opinions to provide depth and context.

Review Questions

• How does understanding the impact of a news story influence the way leads and nut grafs are written?
  • Understanding the impact of a news story is essential for crafting effective leads and nut grafs because it helps journalists identify what information will resonate most with their audience. A strong lead should immediately capture attention by emphasizing the significance of the event, while the nut graf provides necessary context and elaborates on why this story matters. By focusing on the impact, journalists can ensure that their writing highlights the consequences of events, making it more engaging for readers.
• In what ways does editorial judgment play a role in assessing the impact of news selection criteria?
  • Editorial judgment is critical in evaluating which stories have significant impact when selecting news items for publication. Editors consider factors such as relevance, timeliness, and audience interest to determine which stories warrant coverage. By prioritizing stories that are deemed impactful, editors can effectively shape public discourse and inform audiences about events that may affect their lives or communities.
• Evaluate how a journalist might balance the need for impactful storytelling with ethical considerations in reporting.
  • A journalist must strike a balance between delivering impactful storytelling and adhering to ethical standards in reporting. While it's important to engage readers with compelling narratives that highlight significant issues, journalists also have a responsibility to report truthfully and avoid sensationalism. This means carefully considering how to present information without compromising accuracy or fairness. Ethical reporting involves providing context for the impact of a story while being mindful of potential harm or misrepresentation of individuals or communities involved.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the most important information and grabs the reader's attention.

Nut Graf: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story and provides context, often answering the 'so what?' question.

Newsworthiness: The criteria used by journalists to determine if a story is worth reporting, often based on factors like timeliness, significance, and human interest.