What is news?
In this section we explore what makes a story newsworthy, where news originates, and how journalists can develop a strong news sense to identify potential stories. We also examine how to structure a story using the inverted pyramid to highlight the most important information first. Finally, we consider the concept of public interest and its significance in journalism.
Where does news come from?
The job of the journalist is to uncover the stories that shape our understanding of the world.
Assessing news value
The job of the journalist is to sort through daily events and package them into stories in order to inform the public.
Developing news sense
How do we know what is “news”? There are millions of things going on in the world all the time and only some of them become news stories.
Spotting a news story
How does a journalist know when they are on the right track? What are the telltale signs that distinguish fact from fiction?
Shoe-leather reporting
Digital noise is everywhere, but shoe-leather reporting - getting out and talking to people - remains a foundational skill for the modern journalist.
Journalism and the public interest
All news stories should, by definition, be interesting. They should immediately capture the attention and make the audience want to know more.
The essential role of journalism
Journalism isn’t just reporting, it’s witnessing history, challenging power, amplifying unheard voices, and making sense of a chaotic world.
The evolution of an original news story
Original journalism starts with a question. Our investigations transform enquiries into vital news stories with far-reaching consequences.
Related learning resources
Identifying newsworthiness
As a new journalist, you need to develop a nose for news. Not every event is a story, and not every story is worth telling.
Lesson: How to spot a news story
This lesson plan is designed to help students recognise how to spot a news story and develop it so that it informs the audience.
Lesson: Developing and applying news sense
Developing a news sense in order to spot a story's importance to the audience.
Lesson: Journalism and the public interest
A lesson plan to help students understand the difference between 'public interest' journalism and news that merely entertains.
Lesson: What makes a news story
This lesson plan is designed to help journalists understand the sources of news stories and be able to order them in terms of their relevance to the audience.