Newsworthy: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'newsworthy' combines 'news,' which comes from the word 'new,' and 'worthy,' meaning deserving of attention.
• The word became popular in the late 19th century as journalism expanded and media outlets needed a way to judge the significance of stories.

Media Studies

• Journalists often use a checklist to determine what makes a story newsworthy, focusing on factors like timeliness, significance, and human interest.
• Stories about disasters, celebrity events, or social issues tend to be considered particularly newsworthy.

Psychology

• Human brains naturally gravitate toward surprising or dramatic information, making those types of stories more engaging and memorable.
• Research shows that stories with emotional impact, like personal struggles or triumphs, are more likely to be shared and remembered.

Cultural Perspectives

• Different cultures may have varying definitions of what is newsworthy, influenced by local issues, values, and traditions.
• In some societies, stories about community events or local heroes are deemed more newsworthy than international events.

Technology

• With the rise of social media, the criteria for newsworthiness can shift rapidly, as trending topics can become stories overnight.
• Algorithms on social media platforms curate content based on what is deemed newsworthy to the audience, leading to a new age of information dissemination.