Worldcom Noose Getting Tighter: Bankruptcy Tough to

¶ … WorldCom Noose Getting Tighter: Bankruptcy Tough to Avoid" illustrates dramatic business news, relevant to current issues in the telecommunications slump. The WorldCom bankruptcy declaration is also personalized because it reminds the reader of the fragility of the economy as well as the possibility of individual financial ruin. The fact that the $3.9 billion fraud disclosure was a "record" indicates controversy and drama, no doubt conflict-filled. Because this dollar amount is clearly stated as being a "record" signifies the novelty of this particular incident.

That banks could "force" WorldCom into default depicts actual action in the business world. Newsworthiness of this piece increases with the stress on the sullying of the WorldCom name, which is "permanently scarred," and "damaged beyond repair." Investors are angry, notes the journalist: the issue is personalized, identifiable, and conflict-filled. The mentioning of 20 million customers further drives home the fact that you, the reader, are directly affected. Likewise, the inclusion of the clause that service will continue uninterrupted personalizes an otherwise dry news event.

Photo of Baby Suicide Bomber Called a Joke" is filled with violent imagery that is linked to current, relevant political issues. That the photo is a joke is irrelevant in light of the reality of suicide bombers in Israel. This prank, called "Terror in Diapers," is a concrete event. It is also controversial, deviant, and novel. That a baby was dressed up as a suicide bomber evokes cruelty and hatred.

The incident is dramatic and conflict-filled, but it is also personal: most readers will be able to relate to the sense of shock and horror induced by using a baby in this way. The journalist uses this novel incident to lead the reader into an analysis of current events in the Middle East. Reminding us of the reality of suicide bombers through this joke, the writer uses the opportunity to present both sides of prevalent political issues.

Xerox Reduces1996-2001 Revenues by 2%" describes the deviant, controversial behavior of a major corporation. Because Xerox is a recognizable name, the issue becomes personalized and relevant to current economic issues. Xerox "improperly recorded more revenue," which is a controversial, conflict-filled, and concrete event. The events of the impropriety are identifiable; the facts listed are dry and verifiable.

Attempting to sensationalize the issue, the writer indicates that the company paid the largest levy "against a company for financial-reporting violations." Corporate deviance is as relevant and newsworthy as criminal deviance, especially to investors. None of these articles contain all the components of newsworthiness. Only the "Photo of baby suicide bomber called 'a joke'" contains elements of violence. Although all three articles indicate some sort of action, none of them are particularly riveting narratives.