What's Your Angle? — Questions to Help Uncover Your News Hook
By Gina Cuclis
This has been edited from my July 7, 2009 issue of "PR Tip of the Month" that I publish on the first Monday of each month. Subscribe at www.cuclipr.com.
What Is News?
A newsworthy item is timely, has new or previously unreleased information, and meets one or more of the news media's objectives to inform, educate or entertain. Before pursing a story, journalists consider why their readers, viewers or listeners would be interested in this now? Who cares? Is it news? Journalists consider the news hook, or the "angle" of a story to determine if it's worth reporting. A compelling angle presented at the right time is what makes a story newsworthy.
To figure out a news angle, ask yourself the following:
Is it timely? What may have been news last week, could be old this week.
Is it innovative? A new or fresh approach to meeting a need.
Is it unusual or different? If there are similar products or services, what is unique about yours?
Will it instigate a change that will affect your customers or many people in your community?
Could it impact the public's health and safety?
Could it impact your area's economy? Bright spots in the current economy are particularly newsworthy. The relocation or expansion of a small business could be big news in some communities.
Is it something that has never been done before, or has never been done before in your community?
If it has been done before, how is it being done differently this time and why?
Does it tie in with a current item in the news? If you ever worked with Michael Jackson, and aren't a celebrity or don't live in Los Angeles, your local newspaper probably would be interested in hearing from you.
Does it tie in with a trend?
Does it tie in with a particular season or holiday?
Is it information that previously did not exist? Such as results of a survey or study.
Does it have emotional appeal? Is it a moving, amusing or inspiring story?
Is it information that can help people make an important decision or avoid a serious mistake? e.g., staying connected after a job loss, health warnings
This has been edited from my July 7, 2009 issue of "PR Tip of the Month" that I publish on the first Monday of each month. Subscribe at www.cuclipr.com.
What Is News?
A newsworthy item is timely, has new or previously unreleased information, and meets one or more of the news media's objectives to inform, educate or entertain. Before pursing a story, journalists consider why their readers, viewers or listeners would be interested in this now? Who cares? Is it news? Journalists consider the news hook, or the "angle" of a story to determine if it's worth reporting. A compelling angle presented at the right time is what makes a story newsworthy.
To figure out a news angle, ask yourself the following:
Is it timely? What may have been news last week, could be old this week.
Is it innovative? A new or fresh approach to meeting a need.
Is it unusual or different? If there are similar products or services, what is unique about yours?
Will it instigate a change that will affect your customers or many people in your community?
Could it impact the public's health and safety?
Could it impact your area's economy? Bright spots in the current economy are particularly newsworthy. The relocation or expansion of a small business could be big news in some communities.
Is it something that has never been done before, or has never been done before in your community?
If it has been done before, how is it being done differently this time and why?
Does it tie in with a current item in the news? If you ever worked with Michael Jackson, and aren't a celebrity or don't live in Los Angeles, your local newspaper probably would be interested in hearing from you.
Does it tie in with a trend?
Does it tie in with a particular season or holiday?
Is it information that previously did not exist? Such as results of a survey or study.
Does it have emotional appeal? Is it a moving, amusing or inspiring story?
Is it information that can help people make an important decision or avoid a serious mistake? e.g., staying connected after a job loss, health warnings
Posted by Gina Cuclis at 7/7/2009 4:33 PM 
Categories: Public Relations Tips
Tags: newsworthy PR newspapers news journalists
Categories: Public Relations Tips
Tags: newsworthy PR newspapers news journalists
Tap these treasures of ideas. The best money you can spend is money invested in your business plan education. Don't shortchange yourself when it comes to investing in your dream.
Reply to this