One of the most engaging discussions in my past basic news writing classes was the question: What makes news?
Theorists and references have listed more than 15 elements of news – including prominence, proximity, immediacy, impact, consequence, drama, emotion and suspense, relevance, oddity, human interest, novelty, relevance and human interest.
And there’s conflict, too, which usually draws wide readership or viewership as people are said to be of interested in stories about antagonism, opposing forces and incompatible positions.
Thus, a wide range of stories under the element of conflict often command widespread following.
With the election fast approaching, stories about political rivalries are heating up. Remember the recent congressional hearings that glued us to television, radio, newspaper and online coverages? Viewership reached tens of thousands even of short video posts, which also drew scores and scores of comments instantly.
The enduring Israel-Hamas war is another fine example of conflict-driven running news. The Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris race for the White House is fresh in the minds of millions who have followed the U.S. elections.
We can go on and on with fine examples of conflict as originator of news, like conflict among family members, management and labor, and government troops against rebels – too often, they are front-page materials.
Even sports events, especially championship matches, these are good examples.
But as I had always told my classes, there is that other conflict that commands wider and greater editorial interest – the conflict between people and forces beyond human control, like the recent deadly airplane crashes in Korea and Kazakhstan.
The struggle of individuals and communities, too, particularly against the devastating wrath of nature, leaving human beings as the bigger loser.
We have seen these recently in video posts and accounts on the nagging impact of the Dec. 9 explosion of Mt. Kanlaon, which initially led to the displacement of nearly 5,000 families or more than 15,000 individuals.
Just imagine the health risks brought by the Dec. 9 eruption, with the ashfall reaching 30 towns and cities in Negros, Guimaras, Iloilo and Antique.
And, as PHIVOLCS warned, the worse is yet to happen if the restiveness of the volcano continues.
We are not newbies on these tragedies as annually our country is pounded by at least 2 typhoons, leaving untold destruction and damaged on their oaths across the nation.
A similar human tragedy has been experienced in portions of Los Angeles, California area when wildfires – fueled by dry conditions reportedly linked to climate change and powerful winds – broke out and quickly spread on Jan. 7 and continued raging as of our press deadline.
The NBC television network reported this weekend that at least 16 persons have perished with 13 others missing.
The catastrophic blaze has swept through about 37,000 acres, where more than 13,400 structures have been destroyed.
In addition, about 180,000 persons were forced to leave their homes for safer grounds.
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Let’s continue to pray for the well-being, comfort and provisions of those affected by recent tragedies not only in areas affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption and the Los Angeles fire but also in other parts of the world where the forces and wrath of nature and human beings have disrupted the state of things in societies and communities.
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You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7) | NWI
