Information flow through digital media outlets, social networks, news channels, newspapers has become so rapid and with its constant flow, what makes something 'newsworthy' is also evolving though it still rests on some fundamental principles.
The coming of digital media has redefined news in such a way that the speed with which it is delivered matters more than ever. News is considered most valuable when it is fresh and current, and especially if it is a big breaking news whether political, social, economic, religious or natural becomes instantly relevant if it has just happened or is still unfolding. However, timeliness alone isn’t enough if accuracy is compromised in the pursuit of trying to be the first.
Newsworthiness is also defined by its impact factor where the importance of an event is measured by how many people it affects. News that impacts a large group, such as new government policies, public health crises, or significant economic developments, is highly newsworthy. This is where even local events can become globally relevant when they highlight broader trends or issues. And besides its relevance, this is how Nagaland can find space in National and international media.
Proximity also plays a key role in making news relevant to its audience. Geographic closeness means that local events like elections, tribal issues, infrastructure projects, current issues or community initiatives in Nagaland were highly newsworthy because they directly impacted people’s daily lives, livelihood and safety, and identity. Readers will be naturally more interested in events that affect their immediate environment, as they have practical or cultural significance. Today, digital media has also enabled the expansion of proximity beyond geography to include digital and ideological closeness. Stories about shared causes, social movements, or global trends resonate strongly when they reflect the audience’s values or concerns, even if they happen far away. For instance, a campaign on indigenous rights abroad may feel relevant to people in Nagaland due to shared struggles and which will connect emotionally and also ideologically with readers.
Also, events involving prominent individuals or institutions or major organizations tend to attract more attention. In today’s age, even social media influencers or activists creating the right influence can be considered 'prominent.'
Further, conflict though bad, remains inherently newsworthy. Also, debates, protests, disagreements between political parties, or clashes between communities draw public interest because they highlight tension as well as a reference point to reflect on emerging trends thereby creating awareness. However, this is where reporting demands ethicality so that such coverage is fair, unbiased, factual, and not sensational or dramatized in any way. Otherwise, it will create moral panic.
Newsworthiness can also be attached to novelty or something unusual. Where there is so much of information overload, something new and out of the ordinary will definitely grab attention. Unusual events, inspiring stories with a human touch, bizarre occurrences, or innovations can cut through the web of everyday routine reporting.
Human Interest angle adds to the newsworthiness. Stories that evoke deep emotion like ordinary people overcoming hardship, acts of kindness, tragedies, or celebrations continue to be highly valued. These stories connect deeply and generate feelings of love, empathy and hope in a digitally driven world.
Today, much of public discourse has become increasingly online, and any news that contributes to important societal discussion like corruption, inequality, injustices, freedom of speech, health, education, environmental issues, has become highly newsworthy. Information that helps people make sense of complex issues and those that create awareness is indeed valuable.
So, when it comes to newsworthiness, it is no longer just about being first or sensational. Most importantly, it is about being accurate, contextually relevant, and meaningful. With so much information available, the real challenge for journalists today is to highlight 'what truly matters most'. Instead to simply flooding with facts, people need stories that makes them well-informed thereby empowering in a way that would enable them to understand the world and also help them see the truth and reality.
In this world of AI driven 'madness', the right blend of professional skills, critical reasoning and emotional intelligence needs to be applied in order to curate, verify, and present information with ethical responsibility. This is what will truly make a story newsworthy today.
(Dr. AsangbaTzudir writes guest editorials for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com).
