Good journalists develop a news sense which enables them to spot a story and understand its significance.
We asked some senior international journalists in the Media Helping Media network for their definition of news sense. They came up with some fascinating points, many listed below. We suggest you read their thoughts in our article Developing news sense before using the checklist below to find out how your news sense is developing.
- [ ] Identify the impact on your audience: Always ask yourself how a piece of information affects the lives, pockets, or well-being of the people reading or watching your report.
- [ ] Look for the unusual: Professional journalists seek out things that are out of the ordinary. If something happens every day, it is a routine; if it happens unexpectedly, it is news. See: Assessing news value
- [ ] Check for proximity: People care most about what happens close to them. Focus on stories that occur within your community or have a direct local connection.
- [ ] Assess the scale of the event: Consider how many people are involved or affected. A situation that impacts thousands of people generally carries more weight than one affecting only a few.
- [ ] Monitor prominent figures: Actions or statements from leaders, celebrities, or people in positions of power often create news because their decisions influence society.
- [ ] Look for conflict or controversy: Stories involving arguments, debates, or opposing forces are naturally engaging because they highlight issues that need to be resolved.
- [ ] Value timeliness: News must be new. Always strive to report on events as they happen or shortly after, as information loses its value quickly.
- [ ] Find the human interest element: Even in complex political or economic stories, look for the human angle. Personal stories help your audience relate to difficult topics. See: Including the human angle in news.
- [ ] Verify the currency of the topic: Some issues stay in the public eye for a long time. If a story adds a new chapter to an ongoing discussion, it remains relevant.
- [ ] Trust your instincts but verify facts: Use your gut feeling to spot a potential story, but always ensure you have the evidence and sources to back it up before publishing. See: Developing and handling news sources.
Developing a sharp news sense takes time and practice, but by following these steps, you are well on your way to thinking like a seasoned journalist. Keep your eyes open and stay curious; the best stories are often hiding in plain sight.
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