Sources used in this document:

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. Nevertheless, the issues are personalized enough to grab the reader's attention. The journalist in each case links the facts to prevalent current events: the business articles through economic issues and the photo article through political issues. All articles list concrete events that are identifiable; the facts are clear. The photo of the baby is of course the most novel and deviant of the three, as well as being the most dramatic. However, the writers of the WorldCom and Xerox pieces attempts to sensationalize their points by emphasizing corporate deviance. All three articles depict some type of controversy and conflict. Attention-grabbers are necessary for newspaper sales; therefore even the driest news must be made as controversial as possible.