Factors That Influence the Relevance and Impact of News
News is a form of information that is broadcast or transmitted in newspapers or radio. The term news also refers to a report on a recent event.
As a means of communication, the term “news” has been used since ancient times. In the 20th century, television became a major source of information. Today, the Internet plays a similar role.
While news can be positive or negative, it usually makes people interested in what’s happening. Some examples include weather forecasts, train timings, national and international controversies, etc.
However, a news story has a limited lifespan. There are certain factors that determine its relevance and impact on the audience. These factors can be described by two models: the Mirror Model and the Organizational Model.
According to the Mirror Model, the news should reflect the reality of the situation. It should be factual, without any bias, and the stories should be clear and simple.
The Organizational Model, on the other hand, focuses on applying pressure to governmental processes. Stories can be classified as “external” and “internal”. External influences can include the beliefs and perceptions of journalists and public relations professionals. Internal influences can include social development.
For instance, in the U.S., few Americans knew about the Germans’ work in Somalia. They were surprised when they saw the photos on the news.
A story that is relevant to the reader has a greater impact. This may be determined by its geographic location, the number of people affected, or the timing of the event.