Elements of Newsworthiness

Not all story ideas are good ideas. In order to be able to tell the difference, you need to understand the seven elements that make something news. What makes it worth reporting on? 

In This Lesson

Elements of Newsworthiness

• Timeliness
• Proximity
• Conflict
• Reader Impact
• Prominence
• Rarity
• Human Interest

[Click here to view and use the presentation "Elements of Newsworthiness"]

Activity

Is It Newsworthy?

Ask your students to consider the newsworthiness of 10 predetermined story ideas individually by checking off the elements applicable to each idea in the chart. Then, get into small groups and discuss the ideas. Students should be prepared to debate their results with classmates as a way of becoming more comfortable making cases for story ideas in the future. Finally, use the blank chart on Page 3 at any time to examine the validity of your own staff's story ideas.

[Click here to view and print the activity "Is It Newsworthy?"]

Additional Material

Story Idea Submission Form

What's your idea? What makes it newsworthy? Who are you going to interview? Will it have multimedia elements? Is it tied to an event? When and where is it? Use this single sheet as the framework for story idea submissions from your staff going forward.

[Click here to view and print the submission form]