How is "newsworthiness" defined?

• A. The level of public interest in a story
• B. The quality of being deemed important enough to report as news
• C. The potential for a story to entertain
• D. The sensitivity of the information to the public

Answer: (B)

Newsworthiness is defined as the quality of being deemed important enough to report as news. This concept serves as a guiding principle in journalism, helping reporters and editors determine which stories merit coverage. Factors influencing this assessment can include the story's relevance to current events, the impact it may have on the audience, its uniqueness, timeliness, and the presence of strong human interest elements.

While public interest is certainly a component of newsworthiness, it's the broader notion of importance that encompasses various aspects, such as societal impact, that defines why something is considered newsworthy. Sensitivity of information might play a role in deciding whether to report a story, but it does not inherently define newsworthiness itself. Similarly, while entertainment potential can play a part in some reporting, it does not capture the full essence of what makes a story important enough to be news.