Answer to Question #233977 in English for Buhle

Question

Identify and discuss the seven pillars of newsworthiness. Provide current news stories for every pillar that you identify?

Answer 1

Timeliness establishes the reason for the news; news is new information; therefore, the more recent information, the more interesting it will be for the audiences. For example, breaking news about the Guinea coup and the military arrest of the president.

Conflict explains public anger and war or disagreements between nations or groups over essential issues; therefore, conflict report forms an integral part of newsworthiness. For instance, the trending news about Taliban control over Afghanistan and the possible conflicts between Taliban allies and resistance.

Human interest- these are news that exploits human social or economic situations that attract strong and good emotions from the public. For example, announcements of Covid-19 vaccines and their efficiency in 2020.

Impact- this is about how the news affects the people, the consequences of the action reported. For example, the information about the mandatory use of masks and its importance and consequences of not observing the rule

Proximity- this pillar is about the interests of news in terms of location and interests of the audiences; more often, local news focus on national or regional reports than world news. For example, the information about covid-19 new infections in our locality is more important because we are the significant victims within the area.

The Bizarre: extraordinary or shocking news attracts the public the most; for example, Elon Musk, a billionaire, passes Jeff Bezos as the top wealthiest person on the planet.

Celebrity: This is about the obsession of news concerning popular or famous people; when something happens to them and reaches the media, it attracts a lot of attention. For example, the information about Cristiano Ronaldo (famous footballer) transfer from Juventus to Man United.