Sample answer to the question
In my opinion, a news story is newsworthy when it is relevant and has a significant impact on people's lives. It should be timely and provide valuable information or insights. Additionally, a news story is newsworthy when it is unique or unexpected, capturing the attention of the audience. It should also be well-researched and backed by reliable sources. Lastly, a news story becomes newsworthy when it sparks a conversation or elicits emotions from the readers or viewers.
A more solid answer
To me, a news story becomes newsworthy when it meets certain criteria. Firstly, it should be timely, covering recent events or developments that are of public interest. Secondly, a news story should be significant and have a direct impact on people's lives. It can be about a major event, a policy change, or a social issue. Thirdly, objectivity and balance are crucial. A newsworthy story presents multiple perspectives and allows the audience to form their own opinions. Additionally, a news story should be well-researched and supported by reliable sources. Journalists need to investigate and verify information before publishing or broadcasting it. Lastly, a news story should have the ability to engage and evoke emotions in the audience. It should be relatable and resonate with the readers or viewers, sparking a conversation or inspiring action.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides specific criteria for newsworthiness, such as timeliness, significance, objectivity, balance, and emotional engagement. It also emphasizes the importance of research and reliable sources in journalism. However, the solid answer could be improved by discussing the role of news values, such as proximity, prominence, and human interest, in determining newsworthiness.
An exceptional answer
In my view, a news story is newsworthy when it possesses certain qualities. Firstly, timeliness is crucial. A story that covers recent events or developments will attract the attention of the audience. Secondly, significance is a key factor. A news story should have a direct impact on people's lives or society as a whole. It should cover major events, social issues, or policy changes. Thirdly, objectivity and balance are fundamental. A newsworthy story presents multiple perspectives and does not convey a biased opinion. Journalism should focus on providing impartial information. Additionally, a news story should be well-researched and backed by reliable sources. Journalists have the responsibility to investigate and verify information before reporting it. Moreover, a news story should adhere to news values, including proximity, prominence, and human interest. Proximity refers to stories that have a local or immediate impact on the audience. Prominence covers stories involving well-known figures or celebrities. Human interest stories touch people's emotions and connect to their daily lives. Lastly, a news story is newsworthy when it engages the audience and evokes emotions. It should be relatable, compelling, and trigger discussions or actions.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive understanding of newsworthiness. It includes the key aspects mentioned in the solid answer, such as timeliness, significance, objectivity, balance, and emotional engagement. Additionally, it highlights the importance of news values, such as proximity, prominence, and human interest, in determining newsworthiness. The exceptional answer demonstrates a well-rounded perspective on what makes a news story newsworthy.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with news values and their application in journalism.
- Stay updated on current events and understand their implications.
- Practice critical thinking skills and analyze different perspectives.
- Develop research skills and learn effective methods of verifying information.
- Read and study news stories that have had a significant impact.
- Improve your writing and storytelling abilities.
- Stay informed about media ethics and the importance of objectivity.
- Engage with social media platforms and learn about digital content strategies.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Critical thinking
- Research
- Communication
- News judgment
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