News Hooks: What Makes Your Research Newsworthy, and What Are Journalists Looking For?
Research reveals connections and leads to new insights. But conducting research does not mean (as the cliché goes) a string of “eureka” moments. Still, an impressive r-value isn’t a prerequisite for sharing your findings. You may have conducted more qualitative research based on surveys or interviews. That yields interesting insights, but not immediately eye-catching graphs.
The publication of a paper is, of course, cause for celebration, but for journalists, that isn’t necessarily news. So what are they looking for? In journalism, you have to convince your editor to interview someone. You do that by pitching your idea. A news hook is crucial to that pitch. A news hook is a current or notable event that provides a reason to cover a topic in the media. It serves as a kind of framework to make stories newsworthy and relevant.
What's your news angle?
Below, you can read about the most important news angles in scientific research. For each news angle, you’ll find several examples of studies (all of which have been picked up by national media). Fill out the form at the bottom of the page if you’d like me to assess the media potential of your research (and if you’d like to participate in my LinkedIn campaign).
Your research:
...offers a new and surprising insight
Milanne Galekop demonstrated that people lose weight by following a diet tailored to their genes. She partnered with a company to develop meal kits to investigate this.Read more…
Stefan Barakat discovered a new rare disease. He even determined that the first person with the condition lived in Pakistan in the 16th century. The disease is now called Barakat-Perenthaler syndrome, named after its discoverers. Read more…
…has a direct connection to a current news event
A doctoral study shows that it is not online shoppers, but rather sellers who need better protection. The EU is proposing new legislation regarding promotions. Read more…
This econometrician earned his Ph.D. one week after a nationwide train disruption. In his dissertation, he describes how this type of train disruption can be prevented. Read more...
…relates to a political or social debate or encourages reflection on laws or regulations
Living at home for as long as possible while receiving home care has long been the norm. However, in practice, this often turns out to be counterproductive. Moreover, surprisingly, it is also more expensive than living in a nursing home. Read more…
The situation in Gaza is degrading, and there is not enough food aid. But can those responsible be held accountable? Yes, as Jolanda Andela argues in her dissertation. Read more…
The nitrogen crisis has turned the Netherlands (and its flags) upside down. Is there a way out? This study offers hope.
…is based on an original method/approach
Actors with disabilities reenact situations to help healthcare providers reflect on their roles. This Ph.D. candidate collaborated with Theater Babel in Rotterdam. Read more…
Eating a plate of nasi at the homes of PVV voters to understand their voting behavior. That’s what Roy Kemmers did as part of his research into why people seem to be losing interest in (mainstream) politics. Read more…
…has strong personal motivations
A researcher advocates for the prevention of depression, just as is done for cardiovascular disease, and has been personally affected by this issue. A classmate in middle school unexpectedly took his own life. Read more…
Barthi Girjasing has a special connection to Suriname. The corruption and the lack of democracy affected her so deeply that she decided to write her doctoral dissertation on the subject. Read more….
…tells a fascinating story
We take roads for granted, but they have a major impact on how we engage with the world. That’s the argument put forward by philosopher Dirk-Jan Laan, who examined the introduction of toll roads in England. Previously, he hitchhiked to Hong Kong. Read more…
Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll is an illusion for most artists, according to research by Rick Everts. He interviewed numerous bands and documented just how little most of them earn. The culprit? Spotify! Read more…
