What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from COM 315: Introduction to News at Jacksonville State University, covering the fundamental question of “What is News?”. The notes outline core concepts related to newsworthiness, providing a framework for understanding how journalists and news organizations determine which events become public information. It’s a foundational resource for anyone studying journalism, communications, or media studies.
Why This Document Matters
This document is essential for students beginning their study of news media. It’s used to establish a shared understanding of the criteria used to define news and the forces that shape news selection. Understanding these concepts is crucial for both consuming and producing news responsibly. It’s particularly valuable at the start of a course, providing a common language and analytical lens for subsequent topics.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes represent a single lecture’s overview. They do not offer in-depth case studies, current event applications, or a comprehensive history of news values. The notes also highlight the subjective nature of news selection – a topic requiring further exploration beyond this initial introduction. This document provides a starting point, not a complete education on the topic.
What This Document Provides
This document includes:
* A working definition of “news” drawing from historical perspectives of leading editors.
* An overview of eight key “news values” – Timeliness, Conflict, Impact, Unusualness, Prominence, Currency, Proximity, and Necessity – used to assess newsworthiness.
* Discussion of the various influences on news selection, including journalistic judgment, ownership, economic pressures, and audience expectations.
* An acknowledgement of the evolving role of technology and the importance of accuracy in news reporting.
This preview does *not* include detailed examples of each news value in practice, analysis of specific news stories, or exercises to test your understanding. It does not cover the ethical considerations of news selection.