What Makes Newsworthy?

News is a type of information that informs the reader about current events. It may also provide analysis and interpretation of these events. News is often considered to be a fundamental element of democracy, as it allows citizens to be informed about their government and to hold it accountable.

There are many different factors that can make something newsworthy, including the impact, proximity, controversy or prominence of those involved in a story. The news media can also act as a watchdog, investigating allegations of corruption or wrongdoing by those in power.

Writing a good news article begins with extensive research. The writer should be familiar with the five Ws – who, what, where, when and why. This will help them to clearly and concisely explain the event or news item to their readers. The title and byline of the article should be clearly stated, as well as any important information that could affect public opinion or influence a decision made by the reader.

Lastly, the news article should be balanced and fair, taking into account the opinions of all sides involved in the story. It is also important to know your demographic. This can be based on location or the topic of the article, such as whether it is about a school function or commercial zoning laws.

In addition to the above, some things that might be newsworthy include weather, food and drink. For example, droughts or floods can affect the ability of people to grow crops and to store water. Similarly, high or low temperatures can cause health concerns and even death.