By JULIE MAY
NEWSWORTHINESS
Proximity- Events must be close to your audience so they care about the story
Impact- Events need to have an impact on the audience so that they find it interesting
Timeliness- Hard news has to be timely so the audience gets the information while it is happening
Conflict- A compelling story needs to have conflict to help grab the audience’s attention
Prominence-The status of the subjects involved in a story determines its importance
Buzz- This is quality of the story that causes people to discuss the subject
(Heat & Light pages 40-46)
![OnteachingJournalism1[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.jerecho.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/OnteachingJournalism11.jpg?resize=300%2C225)
Hard News vs Feature News
Hard news covers things that have just happened and are noteworthy.
Feature news is a story without a specific time element, often focusing on a subject in depth.
STORY MUST ANSWER…
WHO? – This includes the subjects involved/impacted by the story
WHAT? – The action that is happening
WHERE? – The scene/source of the story (location)
WHY? – The purpose or reason it was/should be avoided/permitted
WHEN? – Time period of the story
HOW? – Method for prevention/destruction/improvement/alteration
SO WHAT? – “Why should I care?” – Impact and significance of the story to the reader
WHAT’S NEXT? – Future developments of the story
![FEJReporterGraphicsmall_0[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.jerecho.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/FEJReporterGraphicsmall_01.jpg?resize=300%2C200)
Example:
The Rat and the Track
By Amanda Ritter & Sam Newman
On February 1st, union protesters, holding signs to inform the public about the school’s decision to hire a non-union workforce, demonstrated outside the school grounds with an inflatable eighteen-foot-tall rat.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs Victor Manuel, by law, he had to accept the lowest bid from a survey of eight bidders for the job, regardless of union membership. That company was De Rosa Construction, Inc.
“The New York State Department of Labor, which we follow with every contract, has one specification–contractors must pay a prevailing wage for their workers on any type of municipal project,” said Manuel. As long as the protesters didn’t harass individuals or enter onto the campus, the demonstration was legal.
One protester said, “This isn’t an infringement on property, and the administration won’t talk to us.” A day later, the rat was taken down. The protesters dispersed, and De Rosa Construction presumed their normal duties.
According to Physical Education & Health Curriculum Associate John Mankowich, the new track is a necessity. He said, “The track that was previously installed was not done to specific regulations, and it was deteriorating. It was actually illegal in distance, and therefore it wasn’t a certified track to use for meets.”
The total cost of the track will be around $900,000. Mankowich explained that all of the money invested into this rebuilding was put aside from the capital budget two budget cycles ago, and will not be taken away from any school activities.
Mankowich said that if there are no weather complications, the track is due for completion by the spring.
This article clearly demonstrates the journalistic six, which contributes to a good story.
![tumblr_lct9s7FPy61qfpuoro1_500[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.jerecho.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tumblr_lct9s7FPy61qfpuoro1_5001.jpg?resize=300%2C191)
When? February 1st
Who? Union protesters; the public
Why? Decision to hire a non-union workforce
What? Demonstrated
Where? Outside the school grounds
How? With an inflatable eighteen-foot-tall rat
So what? Had to accept the lowest bid from a survey of eight bidders for the job regardless of union membership
What’s next? The track is due for completion by the spring.
AN UNACCEPTABLE EXAMPLE OF AN ARTICLE WITH THE JOURNALISTIC SIX PLUS TWO….
Example:
Protesters were seen demonstrating with a large inflatable rat. These protesters confused many students and parents and raised an abundance of questions. The reason behind these protester’s tactics is unknown.
This is a poor example because it does not provide the reader with any information. Unlike “The Rat and the Track,” this example doesn’t tell a story. It only provides a portion of the story because the J6 is not included.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to Contact Us.