Clickbait vs Credibility

So, what's the deal with genuine news stories?

Well, over time, just about everyone has taken a crack at defining what makes a story truly newsworthy. Let's be real, though, figuring out the news value can be like trying to pin down art – it's subjective, but you usually recognise it when you see it.

Depending on their values, mission, and audience, media organisations can dish out more than just the facts. Now more than ever, it's super important to tune into your 'media literacy' vibes to really get what messages are being thrown your way. It's all about questioning what you're seeing, hearing, or reading so you can suss out what's what.

Whether you're scrolling through a news website or catching a report on TV, it's vital to know who's putting out the content and make sure they've got a rep for being credible and trustworthy. That way, you can trust that their reporting is on point, unbiased, and free from sneaky stuff.

Now, let's talk about the purpose behind a story. Was it there to inform you about something that went down? Maybe it was trying to sway your opinion or behaviour? Perhaps it was just a sneaky way to sell you something or hype up a brand?

So, what are the key ingredients that make content 'newsworthy'? Here are a few:

1. Impact: How's this gonna shake things up? The impact of a story shows why it's important and lays out the consequences.
2. Timeliness: Why spill the beans now? Timeliness is all about why this info matters at this very moment.
3. Proximity: Does this story hit close to home? Proximity isn't just about geography – it's about hitting folks where it really counts.
4. Human Interest: Without a human angle, stories can fall flat. Who wants to listen to a bunch of talking heads blabbering about 'important' stuff?
5. Drama/Conflict: We're all suckers for a juicy scandal or a bit of human drama. It's in our DNA to want the scoop.
6. Oddity: If something's strange or shocking, you can bet we're gonna pay attention. Weirdness has a way of grabbing us.
7. Emotion: Connecting through feelings and experiences makes a message hit home for more people.

And when all else fails, just remember to tick off those info boxes: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How!