Whether it’s current events or human interest stories, the news media is a rich source of information. These types of stories vary widely in their nature, but there are a few common themes. These include the time factor, influence, and reporting of current events. Let’s look at some of these aspects and discover what makes a story worthy of attention.
Reporting of current events
Under EU copyright law, reporting of current events may include the use of protected works. However, there are limitations and exceptions to this use. The primary purpose of this exception is to protect fundamental freedoms. While the use of protected works for reporting of current events may be regulated, it is generally permissible in most cases.
Reporting of current events involves the investigation, preparation, and publication of news. It is a branch of journalism that began with newspaper writing but expanded to include radio, television, and the internet. Journalists may use any or all of these mediums to report on current events.
Human interest stories
Human interest stories are a type of news story that focuses on the lives of ordinary people. They provide viewers with a more human perspective and help them understand a problem or issue. More news organizations are adding this type of content to their broadcasts. These stories can influence public opinion and bring in revenue for media organizations.
The first step to writing a human interest story is to identify the story’s context. What is happening, how is it related to the reader, and what is the impact? The story should be engaging, with a captivating lead and vivid descriptions. For example, a compelling human interest story might follow the journey of a refugee family or a record-breaking mountain climber. It could include details about the climber’s upbringing, training, and future goals. Another type of human interest story might be a revealing expose of a local politician.
Time factor
The time factor in news is one of the most significant factors that affect the value of news stories. Shorter news stories tend to be more valuable than longer ones. For this reason, newspaper publishers tend to choose shorter news stories when they can. However, other factors may also affect the value of a news story. For example, technological and economic developments have turned everyday events into valuable commodities, and media cultures have evolved to measure the amount of attention a story gets. This new factor, called the “public response,” has become a powerful measure of news worthiness.
The time factor in news affects the quality of the information that is conveyed to the public. For example, shorter stories are more likely to garner attention, while longer stories may generate more circulation in newspapers. While this time factor is a significant factor in the quality of news, it is not decisive.
Influences on story selection
A growing body of research suggests that the media has an influence on story selection. Researchers such as Sendhil Mullainathan and Andrei Shleifer, for example, have developed a behavioural model that assumes that readers and viewers have certain beliefs that they want to have confirmed. In turn, profit-maximizing media outlets choose stories that reflect these beliefs.
Moreover, news selection is increasingly based on factors other than the news itself. For example, news involving the power elite may attract more selective attention than other types of news.