If a church is to penetrate the media with news, it must recognize the media's perspective. Here are 10 characteristics that make stories newsworthy. Use them as a filter and ask yourself how many of these aspects are embodied in your story. The more there are, the better the coverage.

• It's news when it is new. Look for a fresh angle, something that's a first.
• Find an unusual aspect. What makes this different from anything else the media have covered?
• Names make news. The more well-known the name, the better. This can be individual or corporate.
• Your news item affects many. A city-wide event affects more than a church-wide event.
• The news item will happen in the future. People are always curious about upcoming events.
• Conflict makes news. Any issue that creates discord will involve a news aspect. Sports events also fall into this category. Don?t be surprised, therefore, when inter-church conflict hits the media radar.
• Confidential information makes news. Don't be surprised when the media get hold of it.
• News often involves mystery. Most crimes fall into this category, but you can have fun with this by creating other kinds of mystery.
• Children and youth are special news characteristics. Any item or event involving children is bound to attract media interests.
• Romance makes news. Is a particularly effective Marriage Encounter session running in your church?