“Selecting and Reporting the News” Chapter 5 The Characteristics of News: All news stories possess certain characteristics or news values. Traditionally, journalists have said that newsworthy events are those that possess:

What makes news news??? Timeliness—journalists stress current information—stories occurring today or yesterday, not several days or weeks ago—and try to report it ahead of their competitors Impact—reporters stress information that has an impact on their audience: stories that affect, involve or interest thousands of readers or viewers.

What makes news news??? Prominence—even routine events can become newsworthy when they involve prominent individuals or prominent places, locations Proximity—the closer an event is to home, the more newsworthy it becomes

What makes news news??? Singularity—deviations from the normal—unique, unusual, unexpected events, conflict or controversy—are more newsworthy than the commonplace Conflict or Controversy—two people arguing about their divergent philosophies on a social issue is more newsworthy than two people who agree on everything. The tension between the subjects creates the conflict that often makes a story dramatic and interesting to read, hear or watch.

Two Types of News Journalists recognize two major types of news: “Hard news” usually refers to serious and timely stories about important topics: crimes, fires, accidents, speeches, politics, etc. Hard news can also be called “straight,” “spot,” or “breaking” news. “Soft news” usually refers to feature or human-interest stories. Soft news entertains and informs. It may make readers/viewers laugh or cry, love or hate, envy or pity.

What Readers Like and Dislike Review Statistical Information About Readers (page 132)

Details Newspapers are Reluctant to Publish: offensive details—too gruesome, obscene or in poor taste sensationalism—be careful about over-hyping or exaggerating stories, pandering to emotion, or “beating a dead horse” just to try to titillate an audience rumors—news organizations are reluctant to report rumors, especially harmful ones. Normally journalists will investigate rumors and, if they find no evidence the rumors are true, conclude there is no story

Details Newspapers are Reluctant to Publish: rape victim’s names—most news organizations refuse to identify rape victims, even though they have a legal right to do so (names of other victims of crimes are usually reported). Many journalists believe publishing the names of sexual victims would be too harmful, a “second wound” to the victim. It could also discourage other women from reporting rapes.

Details Newspapers are Reluctant to Publish: Names of juveniles accused or found guilty of crimes are generally not reported unless they are tried as adults for a serious offense like murder Trade or product names such as Coke, Xerox, and Kleenex are generally not used by reporters unless they are important to the story for some reason. They represent a form of free advertising. Instead use generic names such as soft drinks, copiers, and tissue.

The Importance of Accuracy Accuracy, objectivity, fairness and balance are the cornerstones of all journalism (print, electronic, online) Mistakes hurt the reputations of reporters and their news organizations. Carelessness and laziness cause most errors. After finishing a news story, reporters must recheck their notes to be sure the story is accurate—all names, addresses, facts and details must be correct, spelled correctly, etc.

Homework for Friday Read Chapter 5, “Selecting and Reporting the News” Do all News Judgment exercises (1-5) on pages 143-145. Use “slugs” to describe your story selections or ordering for exercises 1-3. And just list the facts you would report for exercises 4-5. Make sure homework is typed!

Characteristics of News Timeliness Impact Prominence Proximity Uniqueness or Singularity Conflict Controversy