What makes a story newsworthy? That's a question journalists and media scholars have been pondering for ages. One of the most influential frameworks for understanding this is the list of news values proposed by Johan Galtung and Mari Holmboe Ruge in their 1965 paper, "The Structure of Foreign News." These guys identified twelve factors that increase the likelihood of an event being selected and presented as news. Understanding these values can give you a real insight into how the media works and why certain stories dominate the headlines. So, let's dive in and break down each of these fascinating news values.

1. Frequency

Frequency refers to how well an event aligns with the media's time frame. Events that unfold within a similar duration to news cycles – think daily or weekly – are more likely to be reported. Why? Because news outlets need a constant stream of content to fill their broadcasts and publications. A sudden, dramatic event that happens quickly is easier to cover than a slow, gradual process that unfolds over months or years. Imagine a car crash versus the gradual erosion of a coastline – the car crash is much more likely to make the news due to its immediate and easily digestible nature.

This bias towards frequency can sometimes skew our perception of reality. We might overestimate the prevalence of dramatic, short-term events while underestimating the importance of long-term trends. For example, a single, isolated incident of violence might receive extensive coverage, leading people to believe that violence is rampant, even if statistics show an overall decline in crime rates. To counter this, it's important to be aware of the media's preference for frequent events and to seek out information from diverse sources that provide a broader perspective.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and 24-hour news cycles has amplified the importance of frequency. News outlets are under constant pressure to deliver fresh content, which can lead to a focus on immediate events at the expense of more in-depth analysis. As consumers of news, we need to be critical and discerning, recognizing that the media's focus on frequency can sometimes distort our understanding of the world.

2. Threshold

Threshold, also known as intensity, simply means that the bigger the event, the more likely it is to be reported. A major earthquake that affects millions of people will undoubtedly make headlines worldwide, whereas a minor tremor might only be reported locally, if at all. This is because news organizations prioritize events that have a significant impact on a large number of people or a particular region. The higher the threshold of impact, the greater the news value.

The threshold can be measured in various ways: the number of people affected, the amount of damage caused, or the economic impact of an event. For example, a large-scale natural disaster, such as a hurricane or a tsunami, will almost always be considered newsworthy due to its devastating consequences. Similarly, a major political scandal involving high-ranking officials will likely receive extensive coverage because it violates public trust and has the potential to destabilize the government.

However, the emphasis on threshold can also lead to the neglect of smaller, less dramatic events that may still be important. For instance, the slow but steady degradation of the environment due to pollution might not receive as much attention as a sudden oil spill, even though the long-term consequences of pollution could be far more severe. To get a comprehensive understanding of the world, it's crucial to look beyond the headlines and pay attention to issues that might not meet the high threshold for mainstream news coverage.

3. Unambiguity

Unambiguity refers to the clarity of an event. Events that are easy to understand and interpret are more likely to be reported. If a situation is complex, confusing, or open to multiple interpretations, it's less likely to make the news because journalists prefer stories that can be easily explained to the audience. This preference for clarity can sometimes lead to oversimplification of complex issues, potentially distorting the public's understanding.

For example, a clear-cut case of corruption, with readily available evidence and a straightforward narrative, is more likely to be reported than a complex financial fraud scheme that requires extensive investigation and technical knowledge to unravel. Similarly, a natural disaster with easily identifiable causes and consequences is more likely to be covered than a social problem with multiple contributing factors and no easy solutions.

The need for unambiguity can also lead to a bias towards events that fit neatly into existing narratives or stereotypes. If an event confirms pre-existing beliefs or expectations, it's more likely to be seen as newsworthy because it's easier to understand and assimilate. This can reinforce biases and limit exposure to alternative perspectives. As news consumers, we should be aware of this tendency and seek out diverse sources of information that offer different interpretations of events.

4. Meaningfulness

Meaningfulness relates to the cultural proximity and relevance of an event to the audience. Events that are culturally similar or have a direct impact on the audience's lives are more likely to be reported. This is because people are generally more interested in stories that they can relate to or that affect their immediate surroundings. For example, a political election in one's own country is likely to receive more coverage than an election in a distant land, even if the latter has significant global implications.

The concept of meaningfulness also encompasses cultural proximity. Events that occur in countries with similar cultural values or historical ties are more likely to be considered newsworthy than events in countries with vastly different cultures. This can lead to a bias towards Western countries in news coverage, as Western media outlets tend to prioritize stories that resonate with their predominantly Western audiences.

The emphasis on meaningfulness can also result in a lack of coverage of important issues that affect marginalized communities or regions. If a story is not seen as relevant or relatable to the mainstream audience, it's less likely to be reported, even if it has significant consequences for those directly affected. To address this bias, it's important to support diverse media outlets that prioritize stories from underrepresented perspectives.

5. Consonance

Consonance refers to the extent to which an event fits with the media's expectations and pre-existing narratives. Events that confirm existing beliefs or expectations are more likely to be reported because they are easier to understand and assimilate. This can lead to a bias towards stories that reinforce the status quo and a neglect of stories that challenge established norms.

For example, if a media outlet has a particular political leaning, it's more likely to report stories that support its views and downplay stories that contradict them. Similarly, if a media outlet has a history of covering certain types of events, it's more likely to continue doing so, even if other, more important events are occurring elsewhere.

The concept of consonance can also extend to the way events are framed. If an event can be framed in a way that aligns with existing narratives or stereotypes, it's more likely to be reported. This can reinforce biases and limit exposure to alternative perspectives. As news consumers, we should be aware of this tendency and seek out diverse sources of information that offer different interpretations of events.

6. Unexpectedness

While consonance favors predictable events, unexpectedness introduces the idea that surprising or unusual events also have news value. However, this isn't just about any random occurrence. The unexpected event needs to be meaningful and significant to break through the noise. Think of it as a deviation from the norm that still resonates with the audience's understanding of the world.

A story about a dog biting a man isn't news, but a story about a man biting a dog? That's unexpected! The key here is that the unexpectedness needs to be newsworthy in itself. A truly bizarre event might grab attention, but if it lacks any real-world impact or relevance, it will likely be dismissed as a curiosity rather than a news story.

7. Continuity

Continuity suggests that once a story has made the news, it's more likely to continue being reported. This is because news outlets have already invested resources in covering the story, and there's an established audience interested in following its developments. This can create a feedback loop, where a story receives ongoing coverage, even if there are other, more important events occurring elsewhere.

Think of a major political scandal. Once the initial story breaks, news outlets will continue to report on every twist and turn, from investigations to legal proceedings to public reactions. This sustained coverage can keep the story in the public eye for weeks or even months, even if there are other pressing issues that deserve attention.

The principle of continuity can also lead to a focus on certain types of stories at the expense of others. If a particular issue has been receiving extensive coverage, news outlets may be more likely to continue reporting on it, even if there are other, equally important issues that have been neglected.

8. Composition

Composition refers to the need for news outlets to maintain a balanced mix of stories. Editors strive to include a variety of topics, geographic locations, and types of events to appeal to a broad audience. This means that even if a particular event is highly newsworthy, it may not be reported if the news lineup is already saturated with similar stories.

For example, if there have been several major natural disasters reported in recent days, a news outlet might choose to downplay a new disaster in order to provide a more balanced coverage of other issues, such as politics, economics, or social trends. This is because audiences generally prefer a diverse range of stories, rather than a constant stream of the same type of news.

The principle of composition can also influence the way individual stories are framed. Editors may choose to emphasize certain aspects of a story in order to make it fit better with the overall news lineup. For example, a story about a scientific breakthrough might be framed in a way that highlights its potential benefits to society, even if there are also potential risks or drawbacks.

9. Reference to Elite Nations

Stories about powerful or influential countries are more likely to be reported. This is due to the perceived importance of these nations in global affairs and the potential impact their actions have on the rest of the world. Events occurring in countries like the United States, China, or the European Union often receive greater attention than events in smaller or less influential nations.

This bias towards elite nations can lead to a skewed representation of global events, with the voices and perspectives of less powerful countries often being marginalized or ignored. It's important to be aware of this bias and to seek out diverse sources of information that provide a more balanced view of the world.

10. Reference to Elite People

Similar to the focus on elite nations, stories about prominent individuals – politicians, celebrities, business leaders – tend to be more newsworthy. Their actions and opinions are seen as having a greater impact on society, and their personal lives often become fodder for public consumption.

This focus on elite people can sometimes overshadow important issues that affect ordinary citizens. The media may prioritize stories about celebrity scandals or political infighting over stories about poverty, inequality, or environmental degradation. It's important to remember that the lives of ordinary people are just as important and newsworthy as the lives of the elite.

11. Personification

Personification suggests that news is more appealing when it focuses on individual stories and personal experiences rather than abstract concepts or statistics. People connect more easily with individual narratives, making the news more relatable and engaging.

For example, a story about a family struggling with poverty will likely have a greater impact on readers than a report on poverty statistics. By putting a human face on the issue, the news becomes more personal and emotionally resonant.

The principle of personification can also be used to manipulate public opinion. By focusing on individual stories that support a particular viewpoint, the media can create a biased perception of an issue. It's important to be critical of the way stories are personified and to consider the broader context.

12. Negativity

Negativity simply states that bad news is more newsworthy than good news. This isn't necessarily a cynical view, but rather a recognition that people are often more interested in events that pose a threat or disrupt the status quo. Conflict, disasters, and scandals tend to grab headlines more readily than stories of peace, progress, or success.

This bias towards negativity can create a distorted view of the world, making it seem more dangerous and chaotic than it actually is. It's important to remember that there are also many positive things happening in the world, even if they don't always make the news.

Conclusion

Galtung and Ruge's news values provide a valuable framework for understanding how news is selected and presented. While these values are not the only factors that influence news coverage, they offer a useful lens through which to examine the media's priorities and biases. By understanding these values, we can become more critical and informed consumers of news, better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape. So next time you're scrolling through the headlines, remember these principles and ask yourself: why is this story being told, and what might be missing?