DECIDING WHAT IS NEWS…

Purpose of NewsThe purpose of news is to inform and entertain.

There are two types of news: 1. HARD NEWS 2. SOFT NEWS

HARD NEWS Hard News = News about a serious or

important topic.

1. plane crash2. violent weather3. Earthquakes4. wildfires

All of the above are known as HARD NEWS.

Examples of Hard News

Valujet Crash in 1996

Hurricane Katrina

Sept. 11, 2001

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SOFT NEWS Soft News = educational, heartwarming or entertaining

1. Senior Prom Decor2. Feature on Homecoming King/Queen3. Best Dressed in Hollywood 4. Students host a blood drive for a

classmate

All of the above are known as SOFT NEWS.

Examples of Soft News

First Solar Powered Car

Children’s Charity Collection

Dog Saves Kitten From Fire

Six Elements of a News Story

1. TIMELINESS2. PROXIMITY 3. PROMINENCE4. CONSEQUENCE5. CONFLICT6. HUMAN INTEREST

NEWNESS OF FACTS

TIMELINESS

LOCATION - HOW CLOSE?

PROXIMITY

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-Celebrity Factor - Government officials

PROMINENCE

-May not be news, but what it affects makes it news.

CONSEQUENCE

-Wars/Neighborhood issuesCONFLICT

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Make you laugh/Cry & Feel emotion

HUMAN INTEREST

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Additional Elements of News

1. IMPACT 2. SURPRISE3. RELEVANCE