News Values in Journalism Definition, Elements & Examples

News Values – 12 News Values in Journalism Definition & Examples. 

News Values in Journalism

News value in journalism refers to the significant elements of newsworthiness. Journalist focuses on maintaining news values to increase newsworthiness. The news values in journalism are components that strongly affect newsworthiness; therefore, it is also known as the elements of newsworthiness. The importance of news is a common principle determining how media outlets prioritize the news story. The components of newsworthiness set the importance of the news story. 

The 12 news values in journalism are Proximity, Controversy, Personal Influence, Suitability, Impact, Bizarre, Human-Interest, Timeliness, Progress, Genuineness, Completeness, and Negativeness. These elements of newsworthiness determine whether the news is necessary for the readers. Therefore, they are also called determinants of news. However, media practitioners focus on these elements to increase the value of the news long ago.

Print journalism is one of the primary forms of journalism in mass media, following broadcast and online journalism. It has different forms of journalism: art journalism, investigative journalism, sports journalism, and yellow journalism. The journalists focus on news value to collect and publish news through newspapers. The news value in journalism has become crucial in justifying the importance of the news leads and story. 

News Values

The 12 News Values in Journalism are:
  1. Proximity
  2. Personal influence
  3. Controversy
  4. Suitability
  5. Impact
  6. Bizarre
  7. Human Interest
  8. Timeliness
  9. Progress
  10. Genuineness
  11. Completeness
  12. Negativeness

News Values in Journalism- 12 News Values in Journalism Definition & Example. 12 Elements of Newsworthiness.

1. Proximity News Value

Proximity refers to the area of the event where the incident takes place. It also indicates the location of the news event. Proximity is one of the significant news values in journalism. The news event’s proximity or location affects the news’s value. The closer the place is, the more interested you are in reading the information. The readers feel more excited to read the news story if it occurs near them. So, proximity positively affects newsworthiness; hence, it is a significant element. 

Proximity News Example

For example, “Water pollution problem in Johor Bahru.”

Another example of the news value of proximity:

“Local Charity Provides Thanksgiving Meals to Families in Need”

In the heart of our community, a local charity, ‘Hope for All,’ organized a Thanksgiving meal distribution event yesterday, bringing warmth and nourishment to families facing hardship this holiday season. Located just blocks away from our neighborhood, the charity’s volunteers gathered at the community center to assemble and distribute hundreds of turkey dinners with all the trimmings to residents in need.

This story highlights the proximity news value by focusing on an event that directly impacts the local community. By reporting on initiatives like ‘Hope for All,’ which operates within proximity to the readership area, the news story resonates with the audience’s experiences and concerns, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity within the community.

2. Controversy News Value

Controversy means a conflicting news story that adds newsworthiness. It is also known as disagreement of the news event: the more controversial the news, the more critical the report to the readers. Controversy attracts the audiences to read the information, which adds sensation to the news story. People are always eager to identify the truth behind the conflict. So, controversy is another crucial news value in journalism or an element of newsworthiness. 

For example, the BJP minister says that the Taj Mahal was a Shiva temple long ago. Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: explaining media controversy.

3. Personal Influence News Value

Personal influence refers to the prominence of the person to newsworthiness. A famous person always plays a significant role in increasing the news value. Therefore, the media cover well-known people’s news, including politicians, sportspeople, and celebrities. The audiences feel a close connection with their idol people. For example, the followers of Lionel Messi, also a famous football player, will read any news related to Messi. The widest of the personal prominence, the most value the news. The person can be an athlete, artist, politician, or social worker. 

For Example, Profile Feature Article: The Amazing Life of Paul McCartney.

4. Suitability News Value

Suitability denotes the involvement of the public in the topics. The news story is more newsworthy if more people are involved with the issue. It is also known as the much-talked issue in the country. The more people involved, the more value the news in journalism. 

For example, around 30,000 University of Putra Malaysia students have registered for vaccines.

Also, “Many were killed in the crash, 1 million youths gathered in Putrajaya.”

5. Impact News Value

Impact refers to the physical influence of news writing on a large audience. The impact affects the value of news significantly to attract audiences. The more people engaged in the news, add more critical the topic. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most relevant issue to attract people to read any updated news related to the topic. Therefore, News media feel interested in covering any news related to the coronavirus. It has a significant impact on audiences.

For example, “Price hiking and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

6. Bizarre News Value

Bizzare is a significant element in increasing the value of the news. Bizzare means strange; naturally, people like to read, watch and talk about weird issues. Therefore, journalists publish strange events to attract audiences. It added value to the news and boosted circulation. 

For Example, “Africa’s Real-Life Mowgli Loves to Live Amid Trees.”

7. Human-Interest News Value

Human-interest news stories get attention from a massive number of people automatically. It includes the much-talked event and issues of the country. Internation topics have also become human-interest stories due to globalization. For example, during the FIFA world cup, people worldwide talk about Football everywhere. So, journalists carefully pick a news-topic to get more viewers.

For example. “Euro Cup 2021 final date and match time.”

8. Timeliness (Fast News) News Value

Definition of Timeliness in Journalism

Timeliness in journalism means providing information to the audience quickly. The quicker the news is published, the more important getting to the audience. Journalists want to publish news as soon as possible to increase the corporate reputation of the media outlet. The audience gives more importance to the mass media outlet disseminating the news first.

Timeliness is an occasion that enhances the value of news. People do not like to read the same news repeatedly; therefore, news outlets show interest in disseminating information as soon as possible. It is related to current and ongoing events. For example, many newspapers publish news regarding Olympic issues when the event continues. Newspapers will not be interested in disseminating information about the Olympic games when the event ends.

For example, in May 2021, many passengers were injured due to the LRT crash. Many news outlets cover the news to get the audience’s attention. However, people give more importance to the newspapers that publish the news quickly. For example, “Malaysia LRT crash: Train was driven in wrong direction, 6 critically injured”.

9. Progress News Value

Progress news in journalism refers to the sensational update of the current news or events that journalist focuses on to attract more audiences. It adds massive significance to the news story to attract the audience. Progress news is always attractive to the audience for its advancement. The progress news is delivered through press conferences and seminars.

For example, the health ministry disseminates the updated number of COVID-19-affected patients through press conferences. So, it is an example of a progress news story.

10 Genuineness News Value

Genuine news means an authentic story collected from a trustable source. People always want to know the fact of the news. The audience determines the authenticity of the news through the genuine witness and trustworthy source of the news.

For example, according to the WHO, 192 million people have been affected by the coronavirus, and 4.13 people have died. Most people will believe this news as the World Health Organization (WHO) disseminates the information via press conferences.

11. Completeness News Value

Complete news includes 5Ws and 1 H news writing methods. The five Ws and one H report writing rules indicate the who, what, when, where, why, and how. A journalist should find all these questions’ answers to make the report comprehensive for the audience. People do not like incomplete news and ambiguous information. Therefore, reporters must focus on the inverted pyramid news-writing formula to produce completed news.  5W and 1 H reporting strategies to make the report more attractive and accepted by the readers.

In conclusion, every reporter needs to follow these four significant elements to make the news more attractive to the audience.

12. Negativeness

Negative news spreads faster than positive. People discuss and share adverse events more than ordinary news. Negative news occurs for a short-term period than positive news. Netizens share this type of news on social media excessively. Therefore, negative news goes viral quickly.

For example, “Katie Price arrested on suspicion of ‘drink driving’ and taken to hospital after crash.”

Conclusion

The 12 news values in journalism are Proximity, Controversy, Personal Influence, Suitability, Impact, Bizarre, Human-Interest, Timeliness, Progress, Genuineness, Completeness, and Negativeness, which increase newsworthiness. Apart from the 12 news values, romance, crime, and technology are other elements.

Questionnaire Introduction Example- Survey Introduction Sample

Questionnaire Introduction Example. Survey Introduction Sample For Students. Also, Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper.

Survey Questionnaire

A survey questionnaire is a set of questions designed to conduct survey research for academic and business purposes. The researchers set survey questionnaires to collect data for quantitative analysis. The survey questionnaire aims to collect data from respondents. The survey questionnaire has three sections: questionnaire introduction, demographic questions or respondents’ personal information, and research questions. Many researchers term quantitative research questionnaires as survey questions or surveys. However, the questionnaire differs from the quantitative survey and qualitative interview questions. The Survey and questionnaire introduction is the opening section of the questionnaire.

Questionnaire Introduction

The questionnaire introduction refers to the explanation part of the research questions and the preface of the questionnaire. It is also known as the survey introduction that explains 5ws and 1 h questions regarding the research; for example, who is collecting the data, the objective of the research, and how to collect the data. Additionally, the questionnaire’s introduction describes how the researcher collects data from where. It also includes the objective of the research for the respondents and informants. Finally, the questionnaire introduction section ensures the participants or recipients will keep the survey data anonymous and confidential.

The four elements of the questionnaire introduction are the student or researcher’s name, representing Institute or Organization name, the objective of the research also, data confidentiality, and anonymity.

The author has collected a few examples of questionnaire introductions from the final-year student at UPM to present to new researchers.  So, these examples will surely assist undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students complete their thesis and dissertation. In addition, the researchers might obtain comprehensive knowledge on how to write the questionnaire’s introduction and set questions.

Questionnaire Sample For Research Paper

Questionnaire Introduction Example

The author shows questionnaire introduction examples for the thesis, dissertation, and research paper. So, the undergraduate and postgraduate students get ideas on how to write a survey questionnaire introduction. Additionally, the examples of questionnaire introduction for research have been displayed for researchers. The questionnaire introduction is also known as the survey introduction.

Questionnaire Introduction Example- Survey introduction Sample

Survey Introduction Example & Sample

Questionnaire Introduction Example-1

Research Title: Goals and Effectiveness of Internal Communication amongst UPM Faculty of Modern Languages and Communications Students.
Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper
Dear surveyor,
I am a student studying corporate communication in the last year student of the University Putra Malaysia. My final year project is currently underway to examine the Goals and Effectiveness of Internal Communication amongst UPM Faculty of Modern Languages and Communications Students. I sincerely invite you to participate in this survey by filling in the following questionnaire. Your contribution to insight is precious. As per the survey questionnaires, you need about five minutes to complete them. Finally, I assure you that I will keep the information confidential and only use it for academic purposes. Glad to get your help! Thank you!
Sincerely yours, Student or Researcher Name:(For example, David Warner)
Faculty and University name: for example, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Email: for example, abc@gmail.com

Questionnaire Introduction Example-2

Research Title: The Emotional Impact of Peer Influence And Sexting Among University Students.

Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper
Dear respondents,
I am a final year undergraduate student from bachelor of communication at UPM. I request you to join my project by completing the following survey questionnaire. It may take around 3-5 minutes to complete the survey. However, we will use the research information for academic purposes.  Additionally, we will keep your responses anonymous and confidential. Your support towards my following research will help conduct the study ideally. Thank you very much.
Sincerely, Name(For example, John)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-3

Dissertation Title: Investigation on the influence of Infordemic on UPM students’ attitude towards Social Media

Survey Introduction Sample
Dear respondent,
I am a final year postgraduate student from the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication at UPM. I am surveying to help better understand how accurate and inaccurate information affects students’ attitudes towards social media during the epidemic. To better understand the impact of the information epidemic, I would like to ask you some questions about the information you may be exposed to during the epidemic and your experience and feelings in the face of inaccurate and accurate information. Based on your experience, this survey may take you 5 to 8 minutes, not more than 10 minutes. Thank you for your participation.
Sincerely, (For example, Du Changmin)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-4

Survey Title: Social Media Influence on Corporate Branding for Universiti Putra Malaysia

Survey Introduction Example

Dear respondent, my name is Athaya, also a final year student from the Universiti Putra Malaysia. I am currently working on my final year research project to examine social media influence on corporate branding for Universiti Putra Malaysia. This survey questionnaire is open to local and international students from FBMK and FEP. This survey might not take more than 5 or 6 minutes.

Your participation is entirely voluntary, and all information collected in this survey will be kept strictly confidential. The information gathered will only be used for the following study purposes. You have the right to refuse to answer any questions/items or to avoid participating at any time for any reason. If you have any queries regarding the survey questions, do contact me via e-mail. Thank you for giving your valuable time to complete the following survey questionnaires.
Sincerely, (For example, Athaya)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-5

Research Title: The Relationship Between Cyberbullying on Social Media and The Impacts on Mental Health of Young Adults In Upm

Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper

Dear participants, I am Raisa, also a student at University Putra Malaysia.  I am requesting you to participate in this research by completing the following questionnaire. This study aims to determine the relationship between cyberbullying on social media and the impacts on the mental health of young adults in UPM. However, this questionnaire will require approximately 5-10 minutes of your cooperation.
Everyone’s experience matters in this study, and it is assured that your responses will be treated with extreme confidentiality. Thank you.
Sincerely, (For example, Raisa)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-6

Research Title: The Relationship Between Instagram Small Business Owner’s Politeness Strategies and Customer’s Satisfaction.
Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper

Dear participants, my name is Alya. I am researching ‘A Language Structure Analysis on Politeness Strategies in Mobile Media and Communication Between Instagram Sellers and Undergraduates’, focusing on the interactions between Instagram small business owners their customers. This questionnaire is open to all undergraduate students in Malaysia who have experience interacting with small Instagram sellers in Malaysia.

This questionnaire has three sections and will not take more than 10 minutes to be complete. However, in one of the sections, you must upload a screenshot of conversations between the Instagram seller.

This research is solely for academic purposes, and your assistance in completing the following questionnaire will be greatly appreciated. With the consent given by answering this survey, your participation and information will remain confidential, anonymous and only be used for the following research purposes.
Thank you.
Sincerely, (For example, Alya)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-7

Research Project Title: The Study on Understanding the Perception of UPM Students on the Use of Online University Newspaper as Pedagogical Tools and Their Perception towards Academic Performance
Survey Questionnaire Introduction Sample For Research Paper

Dear participants, this is Rocky, and I am inviting you to join my research project by completing the following survey questions. This study aims to understand the perception of the UPM students’ academic performance towards online university newspapers in their research. This questionnaire will require approximately 5-10 minutes of your cooperation. Your assistance towards my following research will significantly help me complete my research and enhance my research ability. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely, (For example, Rocky)

Questionnaire Introduction Example-8

Thesis Title: Determinants of UPM Students’ Purchase Behaviour for Green Personal Care Products

Greetings from the Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia. I am Law Kai Wei, a student of Bachelor of Consumer Studies. I am currently researching my final year project entitled “Determinants of UPM Students’ Purchase Behaviour for Green Personal Care Products.”

This research investigates the factors that influence the intention and behavior to purchase green personal care products among UPM students.

This questionnaire has eight (8) sections and will only take around 10 minutes of your time. You agree that you will answer truthfully and consent to share your personal information by answering this questionnaire. Your participation will determine the accuracy and, most importantly, contribute to the success of this research. Any information given is confidentially assured, and participants will be kept anonymous.

I will very much appreciate your time and cooperation! Thank you.

Questionnaire Introduction Example-9

Thesis Title: Impact of COVID-19 on the Physical Activities and Social Interaction on the Psychological Wellbeing of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students

Greetings! I am Ho Chang Xian from the Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia. I am conducting a final year project research entitled “Impact of COVID-19 on the Physical Activities and Social Interaction on the Psychological Wellbeing of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students.”
This research aims to determine the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and social interaction on the psychological well-being of UPM students.
The questionnaire consists of 4 sections which are: A (Demography), B (Physical Activity), C (Social Interaction), and D (Psychology well-being).
This questionnaire should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
You hereby agree to participate in this research by clicking the following button voluntarily. Rest assured that your data will be kept confidential, and you may withdraw anytime before you submit this questionnaire.
If you have any inquires or questions, you may contact me at:

Questionnaire Introduction Example-10

Thesis Title: The influence of the star online political news on the perception of political issues in Malaysia among upm students
Thesis Survey Introduction Example
Dear Participants,
I am researching “The Influence of The Star Online Political News on The Perception of Political Issues in Malaysia Among UPM Students.” I invite you to participate in this research by completing the following survey. This research aims to analyze the relationship between Star Online political news consumption and its influence on the perception of political issues in Malaysia among UPM students. The following questionnaire will take approximately only 5-10 minutes to complete. I truly appreciate your valuable time and effort in helping me with this research. Under no circumstances are you obliged to answer any of these questions; however, doing so will be very helpful for me to complete my research and improve my understanding of this research. I ensure that all your information and data collected for this research will remain confidential and will be used for academic purposes only. In conclusion, the questionnaire introduction sample applies to all types of research designed to survey. Sometimes, researchers should include self-introduction shortly.