P3- Galtung and Ruge's News Values

Factors:

1. Frequency- long term event that is reported on regularly. e.g. Brexit.
2. Size and scale- bigger the event, more likely it is that it will be reported. e.g. Kim vs Trump.
3. Predictability- an event that was expected to happen. e.g. demonstrations.
4. Proximity- does it have relevance to Britain/the British people. e.g. Merseyrail strikes.
5. Demand- an event we want to happen. e.g. the World Cup.
6. Unexpectedness- events that happen without warning. e.g. pet detective using a drone.
7. Rarity-   something not predicted. e.g. Tsunami.
8. Continuity- an ongoing story with high news value. e.g. Football transfer sagas.
9. Elite nations- stories that involve powerful countries. e.g. Trump argues with Mexico.
10. Elite people- involves someone who the public can relate to/admire. e.g. celebrities.
11. Ordinary people- of human interest, might represent an issue or provoke sympathy.
12. Negativity- bad news. e.g. murder cases.

Russian spy: 'More known' about substance involved- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43312625

Firstly, this article meets the factor of proximity as the situation that the article discusses went on in Britain, more specifically England. It’s relevant to the British public as the situation puts them in danger, as the international problem gets brought into a more local environment of “Salisbury”.

It also ties in with the elite nations factor as England and Russia are large, quite influential powers in global politics. The fact that these two powers are in some sort of confrontation is a big deal globally.

The story also involves an ordinary person. Even though Mr Skripal was a spy, his daughter didn’t have anything to do with it, therefore making her an ordinary person in the eyes of journalists. As she did not have anything to do with what happened in the past, it makes her someone who can provoke sympathy from the public, therefore creating a bias against the alleged attackers.

This article also meets the factor of negativity as it is bad news involving an attack. This bad news intrigues readers more than good news and can provoke sympathy.