newsworthy

Newsworthiness is a journalistic criterion used to decide whether an event or issue should be reported and given prominence. It reflects the perceived relevance and importance of informing the public about something that could affect people, influence decisions, or shape public discourse. Editors and reporters apply this judgment to determine what to cover, how much space or airtime to allocate, and where to place a story within a news outlet's agenda.

Common criteria include timeliness (recency), significance (scale or consequences), proximity (local relevance), prominence (involvement of well-known people), human interest (emotional or relatable appeal), novelty or unusualness, and conflict or controversy. Usefulness or practical implications for readers, listeners, or viewers also affect decisions. These factors interact with audience expectations, organizational goals, and resource considerations.

The concept of newsworthiness is not objective; it varies by outlet, culture, and context. Ethical and practical considerations influence judgments, including privacy, potential harm, sensationalism, and the public interest. A story that meets one or more criteria may still be omitted if it is deemed unimportant or unfit for publication. Conversely, some events gain prominence due to cultural relevance, ongoing issues, or strategic editorial choices, even if they would not meet every criterion.