4.1 Identifying newsworthy stories
13 min read•august 20, 2024
Identifying newsworthy stories is a crucial skill for radio journalists. It involves recognizing events and issues that will engage listeners and merit coverage. Journalists must consider factors like , , proximity, and when evaluating potential stories.
Developing story ideas requires active research, source building, and creative thinking. Journalists monitor news outlets, cultivate relationships with sources, engage community members, and brainstorm with colleagues. They must also prioritize coverage, balancing breaking news with planned events and in-depth reporting with broader updates.
Elements of newsworthiness
- Newsworthiness refers to the qualities that make a story interesting, significant, and relevant to a news audience
- Journalists must be able to identify which events, issues, and developments have the potential to engage listeners and merit coverage
- Evaluating newsworthiness involves considering factors such as timeliness, impact, proximity, , , , and human interest
Timeliness and immediacy
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- Stories that are happening now or have just occurred tend to be more newsworthy than older events
- Breaking news (elections, natural disasters) often takes priority due to its urgency and potential impact
- Listeners expect to hear about the latest developments and updates on ongoing stories
- Timeliness can also relate to seasonal relevance (holiday shopping trends) or upcoming events (city council vote)
Impact and significance
- Stories that affect a large number of people or have substantial consequences are highly newsworthy
- Impact can be measured in terms of scale (millions of dollars lost in a scam) or severity (a policy change that displaces hundreds of residents)
- Significance refers to the broader implications or long-term effects of an event (a court ruling that sets a legal precedent)
- Stories with a strong impact or significance often lead to follow-up reporting on the aftermath and reactions
Proximity and relevance
- Local stories that hit close to home tend to resonate more with listeners than distant events
- Proximity can be geographic (a new business opening in town) or cultural (a story about a local sports team)
- Relevance refers to how directly a story affects listeners' lives or relates to their interests and concerns
- Even national or international stories can be made more relevant by highlighting the local angles or impacts (how a trade agreement affects local industries)
Prominence of people involved
- Stories involving well-known figures (politicians, celebrities, business leaders) often generate more interest due to their name recognition and influence
- The prominence of the people involved can make even minor events (a tweet from the mayor) more newsworthy
- Prominent individuals' actions and statements can have broader implications or set an example for others to follow
- Stories about prominent people often involve elements of accountability, scandal, or behind-the-scenes access
Novelty and unexpectedness
- Stories that are unusual, surprising, or go against expectations can capture listeners' attention
- Novelty can come from the rarity of an event (a once-in-a-century solar eclipse) or a unique human achievement (the oldest person to run a marathon)
- Unexpected developments (a underdog candidate winning an election) or plot twists (a surprising revelation in a court case) keep listeners engaged
- Stories with an element of novelty often have a "can you believe it?" factor that makes them memorable and shareable
Conflict and controversy
- Stories involving disagreement, disputes, or clashes of values tend to be newsworthy due to the inherent drama and stakes involved
- Conflict can take many forms (political rivalries, legal battles, personal feuds) and occur at various levels (individual, institutional, societal)
- Controversial issues (abortion rights, gun control) often generate strong opinions and public debate
- Stories with conflict and controversy require careful handling to ensure , , and sensitivity to all parties involved
Human interest angles
- Stories that highlight the personal experiences, challenges, or triumphs of individuals can create an emotional connection with listeners
- Human interest angles can put a relatable face on larger issues (a profile of a student affected by education budget cuts) or celebrate inspiring achievements (a community leader's decades of service)
- These stories often emphasize universal themes (love, loss, perseverance) that resonate with a wide audience
- Human interest stories can range from lighthearted (a dog that saved its owner) to poignant (a family coping with a terminal illness)
- Including human voices and experiences can make even complex or abstract stories more engaging and understandable
Evaluating potential stories
- Once journalists identify newsworthy events or issues, they must evaluate whether these potential stories merit the investment of time and resources to pursue
- Evaluating stories involves verifying the accuracy of information, gauging the level of audience interest, and considering the practical realities of production
- Journalists must also weigh the relative importance and urgency of different story possibilities to make strategic decisions about coverage priorities
Verifying facts and sources
- Before committing to a story, journalists must confirm the accuracy of key facts and claims through independent research and fact-checking
- This may involve consulting official documents (police reports, court records), interviewing knowledgeable sources, or cross-referencing multiple news outlets
- Journalists must also assess the credibility and reliability of sources, especially when dealing with sensitive or controversial information (leaked documents, anonymous tips)
- Failing to properly verify facts can undermine a story's integrity and damage the station's reputation for accuracy and trustworthiness
Considering audience interest
- Journalists must have a strong understanding of their target audience's interests, concerns, and information needs to evaluate a story's potential appeal
- This may involve tracking listener feedback (social media comments, phone calls), reviewing audience research data, or seeking input from community members
- Stories that align with listeners' values, lifestyles, or aspirations are more likely to resonate and generate engagement
- However, journalists must also consider whether a story that may not have obvious audience demand still merits coverage due to its significance or potential impact
Aligning with station's mission
- Evaluating potential stories also involves considering how they fit with the station's overall mission, values, and editorial priorities
- This may include a commitment to holding the powerful accountable, giving voice to marginalized communities, or promoting civic engagement
- Stories that advance the station's mission can help build its brand identity and credibility with listeners
- However, journalists must be careful not to let the station's mission override other newsworthiness factors or lead to biased coverage
Balancing hard vs soft news
- Journalists must strike a balance between covering serious, substantive issues () and more lighthearted or entertaining stories (soft news)
- Hard news (politics, crime, economics) is essential for informing citizens and fulfilling journalism's watchdog role
- Soft news (human interest, lifestyle, arts and culture) can provide a break from heavier topics and showcase the community's diversity and vibrancy
- The right mix of hard and soft news can vary depending on the station's format, audience, and time slot (drive-time vs weekend mornings)
Assessing production feasibility
- Evaluating potential stories also involves considering the practical challenges and logistics of turning them into broadcast-ready pieces
- This may include the availability of sources, the complexity of the topic, the need for specialized equipment or skills (investigative reporting, foreign language fluency)
- Journalists must also factor in time constraints (an impending deadline) and resource limitations (a reduced travel budget)
- Some highly newsworthy stories may not be feasible to pursue given these realities, while others may require creative problem-solving or collaboration with other newsrooms
Developing story ideas
- Generating a steady stream of compelling story ideas is essential for keeping listeners engaged and providing comprehensive coverage of the community
- Developing story ideas requires a combination of active research, source building, and creative thinking
- Journalists can use a variety of techniques to find potential stories, from scanning social media to attending neighborhood events
- The key is to always be on the lookout for new angles, underreported issues, and opportunities to go beyond the obvious headlines
Monitoring news outlets
- Regularly reviewing a diverse range of news sources (newspapers, TV, radio, online) can help journalists stay informed about current events and identify potential stories to pursue
- This may include national outlets (The New York Times, CNN) for broader context as well as local or niche publications (community newspapers, trade magazines) for more targeted ideas
- Journalists should not only note the stories being covered but also look for gaps, unanswered questions, or alternative perspectives that could lead to original reporting
- Monitoring news outlets also helps journalists avoid duplicating coverage and find ways to differentiate their stories through a local angle or fresh insight
Cultivating source relationships
- Building a network of knowledgeable, reliable sources is essential for generating story ideas and gathering information
- Sources can include public officials, business leaders, activists, academic experts, or anyone with firsthand experience or insights related to a potential story
- Journalists should cultivate source relationships through regular check-ins, informal conversations, and respectful communication, even when not actively working on a story
- Sources may proactively reach out to journalists with tips or leads, but it's important to verify any information before pursuing it further
Engaging community members
- Listening to the concerns, experiences, and feedback of community members can be a rich source of story ideas that reflect the audience's priorities and interests
- This may involve attending community events (town halls, school board meetings), joining local organizations or groups (neighborhood associations, parent-teacher committees), or simply striking up conversations with people from diverse backgrounds
- Journalists can also use social media, online forums, or listener hotlines to solicit input and story suggestions from the public
- Engaging with the community not only generates ideas but also helps build trust and credibility by showing that the station is responsive to its audience
Brainstorming with colleagues
- Collaborating with fellow journalists, producers, and editors can lead to creative story ideas that build on multiple perspectives and areas of expertise
- This may involve formal brainstorming sessions where staff pitch and discuss potential stories, or more informal conversations in the newsroom
- Brainstorming can help identify connections between seemingly unrelated events, find fresh angles on well-covered topics, or spark ideas for in-depth series or investigative projects
- Encouraging a culture of open communication and idea-sharing can foster innovation and prevent important stories from falling through the cracks
Adapting national stories locally
- While local journalism primarily focuses on the station's immediate coverage area, national or international stories can often be adapted to highlight their local relevance or impact
- This may involve finding a local angle on a major news event (a community vigil for a mass shooting victim), exploring how a national trend is playing out locally (the opioid epidemic's effect on a city's emergency services), or localizing a broad issue through a human interest story (a local family's experience with rising healthcare costs)
- Adapting national stories requires journalists to think creatively about how to make the content relatable and meaningful to their specific audience
- This approach can also provide opportunities to compare and contrast local realities with the national picture, adding context and nuance to the coverage
Prioritizing coverage
- With limited time and resources, journalists must make strategic decisions about which stories to pursue and how to allocate coverage
- Prioritizing coverage involves weighing the relative importance and urgency of different stories, considering the best format and platform for each story, and balancing the need for both timely news and in-depth reporting
- These decisions are often made in collaboration with editors and producers, taking into account factors such as newsworthiness, audience interest, and production feasibility
- Effective prioritization ensures that the most significant and impactful stories receive the attention they deserve while also leaving room for a diverse range of content
Breaking news vs planned events
- Journalists must often juggle the demands of covering unexpected breaking news stories with the need to plan and prepare for scheduled events or ongoing coverage
- Breaking news (a major accident, a political scandal) requires a rapid response and the ability to quickly gather and verify information under deadline pressure
- Planned events (a court hearing, a city council meeting) allow for more advanced preparation and in-depth reporting but may be overshadowed by breaking news
- Balancing breaking news and planned coverage requires flexibility, resourcefulness, and clear communication among team members to ensure all stories are given appropriate attention
Depth vs breadth of reporting
- Journalists must also consider the tradeoffs between devoting resources to in-depth, investigative reporting on a single topic versus providing broader, more superficial coverage of multiple stories
- In-depth reporting (a multi-part series on government corruption) can have a powerful impact and set the news agenda, but it also requires significant time, personnel, and budget
- Broad coverage (short daily updates on a range of topics) can keep listeners informed about a variety of issues but may lack the context and analysis of deeper reporting
- The right balance of depth and breadth can vary depending on the station's mission, audience expectations, and available resources
Short vs long-form formats
- Prioritizing coverage also involves deciding which stories are best suited for different formats and platforms, from brief headlines to extended feature pieces
- Short-form stories (newscast bulletins, social media posts) can quickly deliver key facts and updates, but they may lack nuance or background information
- Long-form stories (in-depth interviews, documentary-style packages) allow for more comprehensive exploration of a topic but require more production time and may not hold all listeners' attention
- Journalists must consider which format will most effectively serve each story's purpose and audience, while also ensuring a mix of content across the station's programming
Balancing news vs features
- In addition to hard news stories, journalists must also make room for feature pieces that explore lifestyle, culture, or human interest angles
- News stories (crime reports, political developments) are essential for keeping listeners informed about important events and issues
- Features (profiles of local artists, trend pieces on new restaurants) can provide a more relatable, engaging perspective on the community and its people
- The balance of news and features can vary based on the station's format and target audience, but both types of content play a role in providing comprehensive coverage
Considering resource allocation
- Prioritizing coverage also involves making practical decisions about how to allocate limited resources (staff, equipment, budget) across different stories and projects
- This may involve assigning reporters to specific beats or geographic areas, investing in specialized training or technology for certain types of coverage (data journalism, podcasting), or collaborating with other newsrooms to share resources and expand reach
- Resource allocation decisions must align with the station's overall priorities and goals while also allowing for flexibility to respond to unexpected events or opportunities
- Effective resource allocation requires ongoing communication and coordination among team members to ensure that everyone is working efficiently and no important stories are missed due to lack of personnel or funding
Pitching stories effectively
- Once journalists have identified and evaluated potential stories, they must often pitch their ideas to editors, producers, or other decision-makers to gain approval and support for pursuing the coverage
- Pitching stories effectively involves clearly communicating the key elements and value of a story idea, anticipating questions or concerns, and making a compelling case for why the story merits coverage
- A successful pitch should demonstrate the story's newsworthiness, relevance to the audience, and feasibility given available resources and constraints
- Pitching is an essential skill for journalists to master, as it can determine which stories ultimately make it to air and how much time and attention they receive
Crafting compelling angles
- A strong pitch should present a clear, specific angle that sets the story apart from routine news coverage and offers a fresh perspective or insight
- This may involve highlighting an underreported aspect of an issue, finding a unique human interest angle, or connecting seemingly unrelated events to reveal a larger trend or pattern
- The angle should be concisely summarized in a headline or "slugline" that captures the essence of the story and piques the listener's curiosity
- In crafting compelling angles, journalists should consider what makes the story timely, significant, and relevant to the target audience, as well as how it fits into the larger news landscape
Demonstrating newsworthiness
- A pitch should clearly articulate the key elements of newsworthiness that make the story valuable and important to cover
- This may involve highlighting the scale or severity of an event's impact, the prominence of the people involved, the novelty or unexpectedness of the developments, or the degree of conflict or controversy surrounding the issue
- Journalists should use specific facts, statistics, or anecdotes to illustrate the story's significance and potential implications, rather than relying on vague or hyperbolic language
- Demonstrating newsworthiness also requires an understanding of the station's editorial priorities and mission, as well as an awareness of what stories competitors are (or are not) covering
Anticipating listener questions
- An effective pitch should anticipate and address the questions or concerns that listeners (and editors) are likely to have about the story
- This may include explaining complex technical details in accessible language, providing necessary context or background information, or addressing potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives
- Journalists should also be prepared to discuss how the story will be presented and what elements (interviews, natural sound, data visualizations) will be used to engage and inform listeners
- By anticipating listener questions upfront, journalists can demonstrate their thoroughness and commitment to providing comprehensive, well-rounded coverage
Outlining production needs
- A pitch should also include a realistic assessment of the resources and logistics required to pursue the story, from staffing and equipment needs to potential travel or access challenges
- This may involve outlining a proposed timeline for reporting and production, identifying key sources or interviews to pursue, or flagging any special skills or expertise that may be needed (language fluency, technical knowledge)
- Journalists should be transparent about any potential obstacles or limitations they anticipate facing in the course of reporting, as well as any support or guidance they may need from editors or colleagues
- By proactively addressing production needs and potential roadblocks, journalists can demonstrate their foresight and problem-solving skills while also setting realistic expectations for what the final story will entail
Responding to editorial feedback
- Pitching is often an iterative process that involves incorporating feedback and guidance from editors or other stakeholders to refine and strengthen the story idea
- Journalists should approach editorial feedback with an open mind and a willingness to adapt or revise their pitch based on constructive criticism or suggestions
- This may involve clarifying certain points, providing additional evidence to support the story's newsworthiness, or adjusting the scope or focus of the coverage based on editorial priorities or resource constraints
- At the same time, journalists should be prepared to advocate for their ideas and push back respectfully when necessary, using evidence and reasoning to make a case for why the story merits investment
- Responding effectively to editorial feedback requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as a shared commitment to producing high-quality journalism that serves the audience's needs and interests
Key Terms to Review (18)
Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the correctness and precision of information presented in news reporting. It ensures that facts are verified and presented truthfully, which is crucial in maintaining trust with the audience and providing credible journalism. This concept is tied to various aspects of news production, such as sourcing reliable information, fact-checking, and delivering clear communication during events like press conferences or breaking news.
Audience Relevance: Audience relevance refers to the significance and importance of news content in relation to the interests, needs, and concerns of the intended audience. This concept is crucial because it helps determine which stories will engage listeners or viewers, ensuring that the news is not only informative but also resonates with the people consuming it. Understanding audience relevance allows news professionals to tailor their content and messaging to better connect with their audience.
Conflict: Conflict refers to a disagreement or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or individuals. It can arise from differing opinions, interests, or values and is a critical element in news stories because it often drives drama and engagement, capturing the audience's attention and highlighting social issues that need addressing.
David Merritt: David Merritt is a notable figure in journalism, particularly recognized for his contributions to the understanding of newsworthiness. He emphasizes the significance of various criteria that help journalists determine which stories are worth covering, including relevance, impact, and timeliness. His work helps to shape how news is reported and understood in contemporary media.
Editorial judgment: Editorial judgment refers to the decision-making process that journalists and news organizations use to determine which stories are worth reporting, how they are presented, and what angles to take. This process is influenced by various factors, including the perceived newsworthiness of events, audience interests, and ethical considerations. Making sound editorial judgments is essential for creating content that is relevant, engaging, and responsible.
Fairness: Fairness refers to the impartial and just treatment of all individuals involved in a news story, ensuring balanced representation of different viewpoints and perspectives. It is essential for maintaining credibility and trust in journalism, as it ensures that all sides of a story are presented without bias or favoritism, fostering an environment where diverse voices can be heard and understood.
Feature stories: Feature stories are in-depth articles or segments that go beyond the standard news reporting to explore a particular topic, event, or individual in a more detailed and engaging way. Unlike hard news, which focuses on the facts of an event, feature stories emphasize storytelling, human interest, and often provide a deeper context to the subject matter. They allow for creativity and can incorporate various narrative techniques to captivate the audience, making them crucial in identifying compelling content for broadcasts.
Gatekeeping: Gatekeeping is the process by which information is filtered for dissemination, determining what news stories get reported and how they are presented. This role is crucial as it shapes public perception and influences what issues are deemed important. Gatekeepers, such as editors and journalists, assess the newsworthiness of events and decide which narratives reach the audience.
Hard news: Hard news refers to the reporting of factual, timely, and significant events that have a direct impact on the audience. This type of news typically covers serious topics like politics, crime, health, and international affairs, presenting information in a straightforward manner. Hard news is distinguished by its focus on events that are immediate and relevant, making it crucial for keeping the public informed about important developments.
Human Interest: Human interest stories focus on the emotional aspects of a news event, highlighting personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals. These stories aim to evoke empathy and connection from the audience by showcasing the human side of news, making it relatable and engaging. Human interest pieces can often bridge the gap between hard news and lighter topics, adding depth to overall coverage.
Impact: Impact refers to the significant effect or influence that a news story can have on its audience, society, or events. It plays a crucial role in determining newsworthiness, as stories with high impact often resonate deeply with the public, prompting awareness, discussion, and sometimes action. A story's impact can be measured in terms of its emotional response, the changes it inspires, or the conversations it generates within the community.
News angle: A news angle refers to the specific perspective or focus that a news story takes to make it engaging, relevant, and newsworthy. It helps journalists determine what aspect of the story will resonate most with the audience, emphasizing unique or significant elements to draw interest. By honing in on a particular angle, reporters can craft compelling narratives that highlight key issues or events in a way that captures the audience's attention.
Novelty: Novelty refers to the quality of being new, unusual, or different, which plays a crucial role in determining the newsworthiness of a story. Stories that possess novelty often capture the audience's attention more effectively because they present fresh perspectives, unique events, or unexpected outcomes. This characteristic can elevate a story's significance, making it stand out amidst a sea of more routine news coverage.
Prominence: Prominence refers to the significance or importance of a person, event, or issue in the eyes of the public or within a particular context. It is a key factor in determining newsworthiness, as stories that feature well-known figures or significant events tend to attract more attention and coverage. Prominence can amplify the impact of a story, making it more compelling and relevant to audiences.
Public interest: Public interest refers to the welfare or well-being of the general public, often guiding the decisions and actions of media organizations and journalists. It serves as a cornerstone in journalism, determining what stories are reported and how they are framed, while balancing the need for transparency with ethical considerations.
Story Pitch: A story pitch is a concise proposal that outlines a news story idea, aimed at convincing editors or producers of its newsworthiness and relevance. It highlights the main angle, key details, and potential impact of the story, serving as a way to communicate the value of covering the topic. A successful pitch should capture attention, provide a clear narrative, and showcase why the story is timely and important.
Timeliness: Timeliness refers to the relevance and immediacy of a news story in relation to current events. A story is considered timely when it provides information that is urgent or has just occurred, making it more compelling to audiences. This characteristic is crucial in determining what is newsworthy, as people often want to know about events as they happen, which plays a vital role in engaging an audience and shaping public discourse.
Walter Lippmann: Walter Lippmann was an influential American journalist, political commentator, and author who significantly impacted media theory and the practice of journalism in the 20th century. His work highlighted the importance of public perception in shaping political reality and emphasized the need for journalists to approach their craft with a sense of responsibility towards truth and accuracy. His ideas remain relevant today, particularly in discussions about the selection and presentation of news stories, as well as the ethical standards journalists should uphold.