News value refers to the importance or significance of an event or story in determining whether it should be reported. Factors that contribute to news value include timeliness, relevance, proximity, conflict, and human interest. Stories that are current or affect a large number of people tend to have higher news value. Journalists and news organizations assess news value to prioritize coverage and engage their audience. For example, a natural disaster in a local area may be deemed more newsworthy than a distant event. Ultimately, news value helps shape public awareness and understanding of key issues and events.