The Worthiness of Every News Story: Encouraging Broader Perspectives in Journalism

Author: Harshit Mhatre

With a career spanning over a decade in Entertainment PR, promoting more than 110 movies, 50 events, 70 television shows, and 10 OTT shows, I have crafted and disseminated over 10,000 PR stories. Heading PR teams for Zee Group, Star Group, and several major movie production houses has given me a unique perspective on newsworthiness and the importance of recognizing that every news story has its audience. This article addresses journalists and news editors, explaining why every piece of news deserves consideration and how dismissing ready-made stories can be a missed opportunity.

Introduction

In the bustling world of journalism, reporters and editors are the gatekeepers of news. They decide which stories see the light of day and which don't. It's crucial to understand that every piece of news, regardless of its scale, has an audience eager to engage with it. Declaring a story "not worthy" or "not fitting" overlooks the diversity of interests among readers and viewers.

The Nature of Newsworthiness

Defining Newsworthiness Newsworthiness is typically judged by criteria such as timeliness, relevance, significance, proximity, and human interest. While essential, these factors can be subjective and limiting. For instance, a local community event might not seem significant nationally but can be highly relevant to its local audience.

The Editor's Role News editors play a significant role in shaping public narratives. Their decisions, influenced by editorial policies, audience preferences, and resource constraints, can sometimes exclude stories that hold value for specific audiences.

The Audience Factor

Every Story Has an Audience Every piece of news, no matter how niche, has an audience. Whether it's a local event, a niche telecommunications show, or an emerging OTT release, there's always a group of people interested. For example, I once promoted a small independent film that initially seemed insignificant. Through targeted promotion, it found a passionate audience and gained critical acclaim.

Digital Media's Impact Digital media has revolutionized news consumption and distribution. Social media platforms and news aggregators make it easier to reach specific audience segments, proving that even niche stories can find their place. According to the Reuters Institute's 2023 Digital News Report, about 30% of people in India use social media as their primary source of news (Econsultancy ) (Reuters Institute Digital News Report ). This trend is consistent with other parts of Asia, where social media plays a crucial role in news consumption. Younger consumers in India are particularly driving this shift, favoring platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube over traditional news websites or apps (Reuters Institute )

Challenges in PR and News Selection

Criteria for Dismissing News From a PR perspective, it's disheartening to see well-crafted stories dismissed with the explanation that they don't "fit" or "work." This often stems from a narrow view of what constitutes important news, leading to missed opportunities for engagement and diversity in news coverage.

The Consequences of Narrow Focus When news outlets focus solely on specific audiences or topics, they risk creating an echo chamber. This not only limits content diversity but also alienates potential readers seeking different perspectives. For example, a telecommunications show might not attract mainstream attention, but it can be incredibly valuable to industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Variations in News Platform Policies

Differences in News Platform Policies Some news platforms welcome a wide array of stories, while others maintain a more selective approach, often dismissing stories that don't align with their perceived audience or editorial focus. This selective approach can limit the diversity of news coverage available to the public.

Print vs. Digital Media

Space Limitations in Print Media Print media faces space limitations, necessitating a selective approach to story selection. However, digital media does not have these constraints. Despite this, many digital platforms still adhere to selective policies, influenced by the same criteria used in print. This approach overlooks the potential of digital platforms to host a diverse array of content without space limitations.

Advantages of Digital Media for Ready-Made Stories Digital media can publish well-crafted, ready-made stories without the constraints faced by print media. Accepting these stories can enrich digital content, offering a broader spectrum of news to readers. There's minimal downside to publishing such stories digitally, enhancing content depth and variety without significant additional cost.

Evolving Media Mindsets

Need for Change in Media Mindsets There is a pressing need for a shift in how newsworthiness is perceived in the digital age. Often, the reluctance to embrace a wider array of stories stems from personal biases, interests, and perhaps a lack of knowledge or capability among reporters. Media professionals must recognize the evolving landscape and adapt to cater to diverse audience interests, broadening their horizons to acknowledge that every story has its potential audience.

Call to Action

Every news story, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has an audience. As an Entertainment PR professional, I urge journalists and news editors to recognize the value in every piece of news. By broadening their perspective on newsworthiness and embracing a more inclusive approach, they can ensure all voices are heard and every story finds its rightful place in the media. Let's strive to create a media landscape where every story has a chance to be told and every audience feels seen.

Author Bio: Harshit Mhatre is a seasoned Entertainment PR professional with extensive experience in promoting movies, events, television shows, and OTT content. With over 10,000 PR stories crafted, Harshit advocates for recognizing every news story's potential to engage an audience.