What Makes an Article Newsworthy?

TL;DR:

• Newsworthy articles are more likely to be published and read.
• There are seven key factors editors will weigh when considering an idea.
• Five writing tips can help you consistently write newsworthy content.

Not all story ideas are created equal, and this is especially true with nonfiction writing. One of the first questions to ask when you get an article idea is: Why should people care? Is this article newsworthy? Everyone is strapped for time, and it’s your job as a writer to engage readers in a story that will make them glad they decided to read your work. If you’ve ever wondered why some articles gain traction, while others are ignored and quickly forgotten … the difference is usually down to one thing: newsworthiness. But what makes an article newsworthy, and how can you make sure your work meets the standard?

What is ‘Newsworthy’

Newsworthiness is a measure of how likely the story will interest or engage the public. Editors use this benchmark to decide which stories to publish and promote. No newsworthiness? No article assignment. Unless the article is evergreen. Understanding what makes a story newsworthy is essential for freelance writers who want to gain readers and assignments.

7 Elements of a Newsworthy Article

Specific requirements vary depending on the audience and publication, but editors will consider a combination of these seven elements to determine whether an article is newsworthy:

1. Timeliness

Timeliness refers to how recent or current the idea is. The fresher the story, the more newsworthy it becomes. It makes no sense to write about an event that happened months ago.

• Example: An article about a new smartphone release is far more newsworthy immediately after the launch rather than weeks later.
• Tip: Stay on top of current events and trends in your niche. Anticipate upcoming hot topics and pitch early to maximize your chances of landing an assignment.

2. Relevance

Relevance is about how closely a story relates to the audience’s interests, concerns, or location.

• Example: A city’s new policy change is highly relevant to residents in the area, making it newsworthy for a local publication.
• Tip: Know your audience. Tailor your pitches to relevant topics that directly affect the people you write for.

3. Impact

Is this story going to make a difference? Impact measures the significance of a story. Does this issue affect a lot of people? Will knowledge of this subject change lives or circumstances? If so, the story has impact.

• Example: A major health crisis or natural disaster that affects thousands of people is newsworthy due to its widespread impact.
• Tip: Focus on stories that have a broad or deep impact. Highlight how the topic affects individuals, communities, or society at large.

4. Prominence

Prominence refers to the newsworthiness of individuals involved in a story. A compelling or well-known figure usually makes a story more interesting to readers. This doesn’t necessarily mean the person has to be famous, but there should be something memorable or noteworthy about their story.

• Example: For better or worse, readers are more likely to view content about a celebrity or someone who has been in the media before, rather than an unknown individual.
• Tip: Tie your story to prominent figures or organizations to increase appeal.

5. Proximity

Proximity relates to the geographic closeness of the story to the audience. Local events are more newsworthy to local readers than events in other countries.

• Example: A new business opening in a city, and that’s highly newsworthy to the community’s readers. So is a local hero who saves a couple from drowning in the local lake.
• Tip: For local publications, prioritize stories that happen close to home. Find angles connecting distant events to their lives for national or global audiences. You see this a lot when publications find a local person connected to a global story and interview them for an article.

6. Conflict

Conflict refers to a story’s ability to showcase opposing forces, disagreements, or controversies. These type of articles generally do well and attract attention, but they should be balanced to reflect all sides.

• Example: Articles covering political debates, legal battles, or social movements often gain traction due to the inherent conflict.
• Tip: Look for stories with clear tension or disagreement. Presenting multiple viewpoints will make your article more engaging.

7. Novelty

Novelty is about the uniqueness or unusual nature of a story. Something rare or unexpected is usually highly newsworthy.

• Example: A story about an innovative solution to a common problem is newsworthy because it introduces something new. Think: cutting-edge technologies and wild inventions.
• Tip: Focus on stories that are unusual or offer a new solution to an old problem.

How to Create a Newsworthy Article

To increase an article’s newsworthiness, consider these tips:

• Stay Informed: Read news from many different sources to find emerging trends and stories related to your subject area.
• Research Your Audience: Understand what matters to the audience you’re writing for. The more you know about audience interests, the better you can tailor your content.
• Focus on the Five Ws: Clearly address who, what, where, when, and why in your article. Spell out all the details to make your story well-rounded and comprehensive.
• Use a Compelling Hook: Start with a strong lead that grabs attention. Find the unique quote, mind-boggling statistic, or crazy scenario that will pull in readers and keep them engaged.
• Edit, Edit, Edit: Keep your article focused and cut any fluff or irrelevant details that don’t add to the story.

Understanding what makes an article newsworthy is a critical skill for article writers. By focusing on elements like timeliness, relevance, and impact, you can draft stories that catch the eye of editors and readers. The media environment is competitive, and understanding newsworthiness helps you stand out and provide value to readers.

Want to learn more ways to be a better freelancer? Check out Live Write Publish courses.