What makes a story newsworthy? Every editor-in-chief has a different opinion on this matter. Generally speaking however, there seem to be three reasons why a story is deemed 'newsworthy'. Although they do not all pertain to all stories, at least one aspect usually pertains to every story.

1. Negative - 'If it bleeds, it leads', as the saying goes in the media world. Stories about disasters, disease and disappointment tend to sell well.
2. Relevance - If people are affected by events then they are more likely to read about them. A passenger plane crashing in Bolivia in not reported on in the UK, unless British citizens are on board.
3. Extraordinary - If something remarkable or extraordinary happens in any part of the world, it usually warrants coverage. 'Dog Bites Man' is not extraordinary, whereas 'Man Bites Dog' is.

One could question the newsworthiness of this cover story in the New York Post, which reveals that the NY Jets (American football) coach has a foot fetish (especially with his wife's feet). Nevertheless, the story is sensational and puts the coach in a negative light, which sells copies. 

Related lessons

• Newsworthiness
• Biased headlines
• Tabloid
• Sensationalism