According to H.J. Gans, the suitability of an event makes it
(A) Insignificant
(B) Negative
(C) Unbalancing
(D) Newsworthy
Correct Ans: (D)
In journalism, not every event becomes news. According to H.J. Gans, an event’s suitability plays a major role in making it newsworthy. He explained that editors and journalists often rely on a set of values to decide what counts as news. Among these values, relevance, impact, timeliness, and familiarity stand out.
First, if an event aligns well with public interest or current issues, it gains importance. Thus, its suitability increases, and so does the chance of its selection. Gans believed that journalists evaluate stories based on how well they match these criteria.
Moreover, newsworthiness does not only depend on facts. It also depends on how the media frames and interprets those facts. For example, an accident involving a celebrity is seen as more newsworthy than one involving a common person. Why? Because it suits the audience’s curiosity and media priorities.
In addition, Gans observed that news organizations look for stories that fit their ideological and practical structures. Therefore, stories that reflect conflict, drama, or emotional appeal often get selected.
Furthermore, the suitability of an event includes its potential to draw attention, spark debate, or inform policy. If an event meets these conditions, journalists treat it as newsworthy.
To sum up, H.J. Gans highlighted a practical truth. The suitability of an event shapes its journey into the headlines. Hence, newsworthiness is not just about importance—it’s about how well the story fits the needs and structure of modern media.
