Page:Newspaper writing and editing.djvu/44

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involved. Added to this was the fact that many of the passengers were prominent. The result was that news of the disaster was read with the greatest eagerness by all classes everywhere in this country as well as abroad. The combination of sources of interest and the greater degree of interest that results must be taken into consideration in measuring the final value of news.


SUGGESTIONS


1. Ask yourself concerning every piece of information, How many readers will it interest? How much will it interest the average reader? Is it really new and timely?

2. Examine every phase of an event or idea for what will be of greatest interest to the greatest number.

3. Look always for what will appeal to the average reader as most unusual, curious, remarkable.

4. Consider the things that give most persons great pleasure and satisfaction.

5. Don't overlook the "human interest" element in the day's events.

6. Remember that a good fight interests many, whether it is in politics, business, or sport.

7. Don't neglect children in the news; though small they make a big appeal.

8. Keep on the look-out for good stories of animals.

9. Provide reading for men and women with hobbies.

10. Measure the value of your news on the basis of its local interest.

11. Remember that readers are most interested in persons and places that they know.

12. Consider the news value given by the importance and prominence of persons and things.

13. Bring your news as close as possible to the reader's home and business.

14. Sharpen your "nose for news" on the grindstone of experience.