News is information about current events that is of interest to the public. It is transmitted through word of mouth, printing, postal systems, broadcasting and electronic communication. It can be about politics, the economy, science and technology, education, health, the environment or entertainment.
News can be a source of entertainment, but it is also used as a tool for social change. It can highlight issues, influence political decisions and even reshape the world’s view of itself. Consequently, it is a vital part of society’s life. However, news is not in the nature of objective or pure; it is subject to bias, agendas and the whims of those who control information. This course introduces tomorrow’s journalists to the skills of identifying newsworthiness, gathering and reporting it effectively. It focuses on the engaging elements that make news interesting and relevant to readers.
What are the Engaging Elements of News?
The most important elements that make a piece of news worth reading are relevance and importance. The news must be something that affects people, is worth knowing about or is a change in the status quo. This is why a story about an accident that occurred in your neighbourhood, for example, would not make the cut but one that involves the president of a country and affects the entire world will.
There is also a sense of curiosity in the human mind that generates news. This can be as simple as an oddity that attracts attention or an event that raises questions about the behaviour of human beings. The news will also appeal to the emotional state of the reader – a story that upsets them will have greater impact.
People also like controversies that spark their interest and generate excitement. This could be a debate about whether or not the Roman Catholic Church should allow women priests or the discovery of a rare insect that has killed thousands of pigs. The news will also get a higher level of interest in different societies. For example, a farmer’s wall collapsing and killing both his cow and his pig will be of more significance to the Indian audience than to the British.
The news also needs to have the ability to be told in a short space of time and to be digested quickly. The use of photographs and visual imagery help to convey the news quickly. The use of sound to create the mood and atmosphere of a scene adds to its impact. Description for its own sake can be dull, so news reporters use all their senses to capture the essence of a story. They must be able to listen for telling snippets, watch for interesting and meaningful actions, pay close attention to detail and write concisely and clearly. It is only by practicing these skills that students will become proficient in delivering the news effectively and at speed. The readings, discussions, exercises and assignments in this course will give you the tools to do just that.