What Makes Something Newsworthy?

Reporters, and editors, make countless decisions each day regarding the value or newsworthy nature of a story.  But what is newsworthy?  The Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines newsworthy as something "interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting" and my, oh my, is that definition very vague.
My belief on this subject centers around some basic concepts that are essential to good journalism.

The factors that suggest a newsworthy nature to any story should hold a great impact on readers, listeners or viewers.  In this sense, the story must contain real consequences for the individual or the society.  9/11 or the earthquake in Japan are significant events that convey bold and dramatic outcomes for all of us.  Moreover, the element of conflict (human vs human or human vs nature or human vs oneself) is central to the newworthy definition because we are interested in the conflict that presents daily life as a drama.  This is why the coverage of wars always lead the news.

Prominance and proximity are two key aspects.  The more known a person, or entity, is, then the more likely a featured story will surface.  If that prominant subject is close to your locale, then interest is peeked and more media are consumed.

When you watch, listen or read today's news, try to think about the significance of its newsworthy nature.