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Is It Newsworthy?
ACA Communications Toolkit

Before implementing any communications tactics, it is useful to ask yourself if your story is newsworthy. Most editors, reporters, and news producers will look at seven indicators to determine if a story is newsworthy. When pitching a story idea to the media, it will be helpful to keep these seven indicators in mind:

1. Timeliness

  • Is the story something that relates to current events or breaking news?
  • Is it being released on the heels of national or statewide news on the same subject; it is localizing a national or regional story?

2. Impact

  • How many people in the community will the story influence or affect?

3. Novelty

  • Is there anything out of the ordinary happening?
  • Is there something that will challenge our assumptions or beliefs?

4. Currency

  • What are people talking about now?
  • Is the item something that is occurring in current events or on everyone’s lips?

5. Prominence

  • Are well-known people or institutions involved?
  • Do prominent newsmakers, celebrities, politicians, or other high-profile people play a role in the story?

6. Proximity

  • Is the news happening in the community or region where you are pitching the story idea?

7. Conflict

  • Is there drama, clashes between people and institutions, etc.?

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