What is news?
In this section we look at what makes news, and the essential role of journalism in covering events and relaying information to the audience. We look at how to develop a news sense and how to assess news. We consider how to decide whether news is in the public interest. We also look at how journalists can find stories.
What is news?
What is news? Beyond facts, it’s the stories that truly matter to people. Explore why human interest and personal relevance are at the heart of every headline.
Where does news come from?
The job of the journalist is to uncover the stories that shape our understanding of the world. Here we look at what makes news.
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.
Public interest – scenario
This scenario looks at some of the issues that need to be considered when deciding whether a story is in the public interest.
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.