News value and reality: a case study

Abstract

A worthy news or news value is what people are anxious to know. It is not only what people want to know, it is also what editors and reporters think is interesting and important. This study attempts to explore why the media gave only certain portion of reporting on an event and what elements of news values were used as reasons for allowing the portion of coverage for the event. The visit of King Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attracted huge public and media attention. In international forums, Saudi is a frequent supporter for Indonesian aspiration, despite obstacles in the relationship, particularly on migrant worker issues. Using qualitative methods, chief editors of two leading newspapers published in Makassar and three Islamic religious leaders from South Sulawesi province were interviewed. The data obtained shows the mass media provides extensive coverage over the visit because of its magnitude, proximity, prominence, and the unusualness values that the occasion has. The royal visit has a profound sociological impact as it has increased the spirit of the Indonesian Muslims because they perceived the King as one of their own due to his position as the guardian of the two Islamic holy cities, Mecca and Medinah. The visit has neutralized the relationship between the Muslims and ruling governments of the two countries. It has broadened the perspectives of the Indonesian Muslims towards the global world and Muslim solidarity. Finally the royal visit has strengthened the religious relationship between the two countries.