There are two types of stories that are categorized as “news” in news media: “hard news” and “features.” Hard news is generally what catches the eye of the reader and holds it for a few seconds, while features grab the reader’s attention and keep it there. Good news, by contrast, is rarely news. In fact, news is often just a rough draft of history, which is why it’s best to avoid interpreting news as the “real thing.”
Stories that set or fit the news organization’s own agenda
Stories set or fit the news organization’s own interests can make the news. For example, a celebrity-supported story about a new cure for a deadly disease could be featured. Or a rock star may be promoting a cause, such as human rights or aid for developing nations. Another example is when a story focuses on local interest. Drug dealing in a housing project may be reported, but the police don’t do a thorough job investigating it.
A recent study examined the factors that determine the relevance of news stories and the resulting impact on audiences. The researchers studied 36 news stories published in April and May 2018 in print and online editions of various news organizations. The stories were chosen for their variety, potential long-term interest, and varying degrees of brand loyalty.
In addition to the influence of the news organization’s own agenda, the story length and other factors are important in determining how prominent a story becomes. For instance, prominent stories in high-quality news outlets tend to emphasize the impact of a story on society. However, popular news outlets are more likely to present a story that is factual and highlights the significance of the issue.
News organizations have to be aware that there are many competing narratives that compete for attention. As a result, some stories may not reach the national front page. Other stories, however, may be more sensational and are more likely to be reported. Some stories that are more likely to get coverage include stories of famous people or strange stories. However, every news outlet has its own criteria for selecting stories.
Stories set or fit the news organization’s own goals or agenda are often referred to as fake news. These stories intentionally deceive audiences and are often meant to promote a particular political cause or agenda. They are often published on websites and social media accounts. However, they often contain inaccurate information and are not checked to ensure accuracy. For example, Urban Outfitters recently published an Election Day Guide that contained inaccurate information.
Stories that have positive overtones
Themes of elitism are often found in stories. While this is not always the intention of an author, stories laden with such themes can be unnerving for a wide range of audiences. For example, stories about royalty or secret societies could feel elitist. However, there are ways to avoid these themes.
Stories that have situational or anecdotal leads
Using a situational or anecdotal lead can be effective in drawing readers in. The key to an effective lead is that it conveys information in a very specific manner and does not overwhelm the reader with too much detail. A lead should be between 25 and 35 words in length. When deciding between these two approaches, consider the audience you want to target and the broader theme you want to express.
Anecdotal leads are great when you have a vivid anecdote or fact. It adds a human element to the story, while allowing you to make the story more engaging. For example, in a story centered around a relationship, anecdotal leads can be used to tell a story about a real situation. Anecdotal leads can also be used in the dialogue of characters. They can make the dialogue more relatable and entertaining for the audience, while also making characters think deeper.
Situational or anecdotal leads can also be used in nonfiction stories. This type of lead tells the most important information about a situation or event. It answers questions like who, where, when, how, and why. The lead is usually the first sentence of the story, but it should be clear that it does not contain every detail.
Another example of situational or anecdotal lead is an article on the 2005 tsunami. This article takes a local angle on the tsunami disaster. It includes an unexpected image, as well as a brief, powerful statement that makes readers care about the story.
Stories with anecdotal or situational leads are more likely to have emotional resonance. The reader isn’t likely to be completely certain of what is happening in the story, and this can leave readers confused. A good lead is not too long, but it should be short and catchy. More
