News can educate and inspire, but only if it’s honest and free of bias. If it is, people will trust that the information they are receiving is valuable.
What is considered to be newsworthy will vary from society to society. For example, missing the bus on your way to school and having to walk might not be newsworthy to most, but if you end up saving a litter of baby tigers along the way, that could make the news. This is because the event has a wider significance than just one person’s everyday life, and it is a story that may inspire others to help animals.
In addition to drama, consequence and timeliness, other factors that determine if something is newsworthy include prominence, controversy and oddity. People are interested in famous people and the lives they lead, and if their actions or words cause an uproar, it becomes newsworthy. They also love controversies, and they are especially keen to hear about anything that involves charges and counter-charges, fights or tension.
Whether a news story is printed in print, online or on the radio, it is important to place the most important information at the top, or “above the fold.” This means that people who only read part of the story will still have a good grasp of the key points. In this manner, readers will want to continue reading and will be more likely to share the story with others.