Here's a breakdown of what makes a banner story:
Key Characteristics:
* High news value: It's usually about a major event, breaking news, or a story with significant impact.
* Public interest: It's a story that resonates with a large audience and is likely to be widely discussed.
* Prominent placement: It's often featured on the front page of a newspaper or website, often with a large headline and visual elements.
* Length and detail: It can be a short summary or a detailed, in-depth report, depending on the publication and the story's complexity.
Examples of Banner Stories:
* Political elections: Major elections often generate banner stories, focusing on the results, key candidates, and implications.
* Major disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters usually become banner stories, reporting on the immediate impact, rescue efforts, and long-term consequences.
* Breaking news: A major crime, a terrorist attack, or a significant policy change can be banner stories due to their immediate impact and news value.
* Celebrity deaths: The death of a prominent figure, particularly in entertainment or politics, often becomes a banner story.
Other factors that contribute to a story's "banner" status:
* Timeliness: Recent or breaking news is more likely to be a banner story.
* Proximity: Stories happening locally or regionally are often given banner status, particularly if they have a significant impact on the community.
* Impact: The story's potential to affect readers' lives, or influence decisions, can elevate its importance.
* Human interest: Stories with compelling narratives, strong characters, and emotional impact can be banner stories.
In short, a banner story is a news story that stands out for its importance, impact, and public interest. It's the story that journalists believe is most important for their audience to know.