7 yardsticks of journalism

The seven yardsticks of journalism are the seven main components of journalistic integrity, and are used to grade the news. the seven yardsticks are newsworthiness, context, explanation, local relevance, civic contribution, enterprise, and fairness. Newsworthiness is essentially what the name implies, why is this news, and will it having a lasting effect or effect many people? Context measures the number of sources they used and makes sure they verify their facts. Explanation measures if news is part of the big picture instead of just an isolated instance, it is not only what, but so what? Local relevance measures how does it effect a local audience, this applies more to local news. Civic contribution is keeping an eye on those in power, it is similar to watchdog. Enterprise is taking initiative and finding the story instead of waiting for it to come to you. Fairness measures weather all sides of a story are being told, not only both because there are often more than two. The seven yardsticks of journalism are a simple and informative way that allows the public to know what to look for in the news and what makes good journalism and what makes bad journalism.