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Choosing what is important
The news agenda is a constant source of discussion; how do you choose what the lead story is and how do you reflect your station in what you think is important.
Choosing what is a good news story is often difficult for any journalist; and it's no different with a student radio station. There are few rules to do with choosing what makes it to the bulletin and what gets left out…
- The Pub Door Test… ever found something out that you've been bursting to tell someone? The Pub Door Test is that, would you be able to walk into your student bar and announce the story without being heckled off for being dull?
- News is something some-one wants to hide. If it's a press release then more than likely no-one actually would prefer it being suppressed, then it's classed as information. Information stories are valid, but news stories should get a higher priority.
- How many listeners does it affect? If it affects everyone on campus then it's a lead story.
If only two students are going to be concerned, then dump it. Having said that, consider secondary effects of a story; if the Maths Department is getting shut but there are only 20 people doing the subject, its not the fact that the department is being axed, it's the lack of consultation that's important.