What creates a newsworthy story?
Journalists weigh news values when determining whether or not to cover an event or announcement. Here are the values that we consider when developing an outreach strategy:

Impact:
Arguably the most important element of newsworthiness is whether or not the news item being communicated impacts a news outlet’s audience. For example, let’s imagine researchers have found a cost-effective solution to a common problem. The more people affected, the greater the news interest.

Proximity:
Proximity is important. Journalists are interested in things that impact their communities.

Our publicists can help localise a larger national story that impacts more than just a city or state. In these cases, it is important to be on the lookout for opportunities where subject matter experts can provide insight or local relevance.

Timeliness:
News consumers expect timely information.

Prominence:
Events and announcements that involve high-profile figures are more likely to generate media coverage.

Conflict:
Stories often involve some kind of conflict. By definition, these stories are almost always controversial to some degree.

Human Interest:
While many of the above news values are interwoven, human interest stories often stand apart. These stories speak to our shared experience, emphasising uniquely human elements such as personal growth or an unexpected act of kindness. Human interest elements can add news value to other stories that might appear to be lacking in the other values.

Novelty/Oddity:
The novelty or oddity of a situation can help influence whether or not a news outlet is likely to cover a story.

Speak with one of our publicists today.