The art of news: An introduction to the theory of news values

In the world of media, the selection and dissemination of news is a complex art based on various criteria. One important theory that explains this phenomenon is the theory of news values. This plays a crucial role in deciding which stories make it into the headlines and why. 

News values

News values are certain characteristics or criteria that news agencies and journalists use to decide which stories are considered news and published. These values help to assess the relevance and attractiveness of a story to the audience. There are various models that define news values, but one of the best known is the model developed by Galtung and Ruge, which comprises nine criteria.

The theory of news values according to Galtung and Ruge

Threshold

News must reach a certain threshold to be considered as such. This could be a sudden change or an unexpected development.

Relevance:

News must be relevant to the target group. The closer a story is to the interests and experiences of the reader, the more relevant it is.

Unexpectedness:

Unpredictable events or unexpected twists attract attention. Stories with an element of surprise are more likely to be considered news.

Frequency:

Stories that are frequently repeated or occur regularly can lose relevance. The unusual often has greater news value.

Simplicity:

Complex stories are more difficult to understand and may therefore have a lower news value. Simplicity and clarity are important criteria.

Conflict:

Conflicts and controversies often attract attention. Stories that involve tensions or differences of opinion are therefore more newsworthy.

Negativity:

Negative stories associated with problems or difficulties tend to attract more attention than positive ones. This often reflects the interest in solving problems.

Prominence (Prominence):

People with a high social standing or celebrities are often the subject of news stories. The high profile of the people involved contributes to the newsworthiness.

Continuity:

Stories that can be continued are more likely to stay in the news. The possibility of developing a story further increases its relevance.

Application in practice:

The theory of news values has a significant impact on the decision-making processes of editors and journalists. By taking these criteria into account, they can ensure that their news is relevant and appealing to the audience.