Journalists and editors use a set of criteria to help them decide what is newsworthy—information, topics, or events that are interesting enough to report to the public. A subject is often considered newsworthy only if it meets at least two of the following criteria:

• Timing: Is the story providing brand new information? Is it current?
• Proximity: Is the story local?
• Uniqueness: Is the information distinct or unusual?
• Significance: Are many people affected? Does the information concern people personally?
• Timeliness: Is the material being released at a conference or some other event?
• Permanence: Is it timeless or enduring (topics such as adolescent pregnancy)?
• Prominence: Is the event or person well known?
• Context: Does your story relate to bigger issues, such as national health priorities?
• Human interest: Does the material inspire human interest, sympathy, or humor?