Five of twelve news items on a respected radio news programme weren't new. At least that what I realised as just before xmas I listened to their top of the hour summary. That realisation reminded me how much of the news we hear is announcements of various sorts timed to get our attention.
One definition of news is that its reporting on events that have happened.
What news isn't is repeat reporting, adverts or announcements timed to get maximum attraction.
Below are the twelve news headlines I heard, with my categorisation of them. They are from the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme news at 8am on 23/12/21.
1) Omicron effects are less severe - news
2) A competition to be designated a city - announcement by the competition's organisers
3) Developments in the Maxwell trial - news
4) The army is called in to help with Covid in Wales - news
5) BBC TV is airing a lost Morecombe & Wise episode - advert
6) Appointment of a wome's health ambassador - announcement by those appointing such
7) Fake parcels texts fraud - old news re-packaged
8) Domestic abuse of children rises at xmas - old news
9) There is going to be another energy price hike - news
10) Tianannmen Square memorial removed - those removing planned when to do so
11) Australia will charge unvacinated people - those deciding planned when to announce
12) what maybe said in the Queen's xmas broadcast - news
Do you agree with my categorisations?
When you hear the next news why not try and count how many headlines aren't news.
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