-
Period: to
Describe the context for twenty of the major national and international news events of the past year
Why is this story in the news - (newsworthiness) -
The worst wildfires in Australian history killed at least 181 in Victoria, injure more than a hundred and destroy more than 900 houses. The fires are suspected to be the work of arsonists.
Disasters and tragedies involving deaths to that amount have high sensational value. These rapid wildfires have caused not only massive amounts of deaths (both man and animal) but it has destroyed an awful lot of the forests and infrastructure putting a huge dent in the Australian economy. The fires have a long-term impact and are set to be ongoing for quite sometime. (International) -
A group of twelve men armed with guns in Pakistan attacked the Sri lankan National cricket team and their police escorts. Two bystanders and six policemen were killed in the attack
It is newsworthy because it involved the Sri Lankan cricket team including world famous spinner Muralitheran. This story shows how unstable and insecure Pakistan is and the state the country is in, which is a mess. Violence and outbreaks of this kind affect several Pakistani on a day-to-day basis. It’s full of terror and crime that we westerners could only hear about. (International) -
Nine student and three teachers are killed when a 17-year-old gunman opens fire a t a technical high school in Winnenden, Germany.
The story is newsworthy because the aggressor and the armed offender committing this terrible act, is a student. The shooter fled the school; high jacked a car and drove to a nearby town of Wendlingen. Once there, a shootout with police leaves the gunman and two bystanders dead. (International) -
North Korea launches a rocket in defiance of world leaders and resolutions from the United States, China and the UN. North Korea claimed the rocket was an effort to shoot a satellite into space, though most assume it was actually an effort to demonstrate
North Korea up until this point was an undeclared nuclear power but as this act of defiance shows, there is more to this nation than you think (International) -
A fifteen-year-old boy has been caught, arrested and charged over a fire, which razed a Bay of Plenty (Te Puke) high school block He is going to be held in Police custody tomorrow until his appearance in court.
Dozens of students course work was ruined and a lot has to be done to salvage the assessments (i.e. contacting NZQA). In the meantime what are the students going to do? What needless effort it is going to be in trying to repair and rediscover all the woodwork and textile materials due to one boy’s act of stupidity and carelessness. The cost of damage is going to be steep and there will be a draw back and a delay on the education side of things. -
Two boys are seriously injured after being thrown from the back of a ute travelling at speed.
It is newsworthy as the boys aged 13 and 14 suffered serious injuries and serves as a warning to others who may think it is fun to ride on the back of a truck. In the article a police officer cautions anyone against doing a similar thing. (National) -
Police are shocked at a driver who let two boys ride in a trailer that became detached from its Ute and hit a concrete bridge. It is not clear how fast he was traveling. The boys were thrown at least 7 m
Both boys had serious injuries and police used this story as a cautionary tale to others who might be thinking about taking their kids on the back of a ute. (National) -
wife hides husbands head and hands in the chilly bin. Chant now faces a murder trial.
This event is newsworthy because the murder was not discovered until 14 years after it occured as well as the fact that a wife so deliberately chopped up her husband into small pieces. (International) -
Armed robber shot with his own gun. Staff at a Chinese restaurant in Tokoroa apprehend a would-be robber and shoot him.
This is newsworthy as it is a unique incident in which the 'goodies' overcome a 'baddie'. (National) -
Eleven people were evacuated from their houses in Greymouth when more than 10 cm of rain fell in a few hours.
This story is newsworthy because of the extent with which the weather affected a community. People were cut off from supplies and businesses were shut down. It will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up. (National) -
Against International warnings, North Korea announces it has conducted its second nuclear test, claiming they are boosting self-defense capabilities.
It is newsworthy because it affects a number of different nations. Nuclear testing can have long term ramification for the neighbouring countries and can also cause superpowers such as the USA to react. (International) -
The Two North Men who Assaulted Prime Minister John Key on Waitangi day this year, have been sentenced to 100 days community service. The brothers, Wikatana and John Popota, made a heartfelt apology in the Kaikohe district court surprising all and got off
It is newsowrthy because these two men assaulted the prime-minister and seemingly got away with it. (National) -
The two men who assaulted Prime Minister John Key on Waitangi day this year, have been sentenced to 100 days community service. The brothers, Wikatana and John Popota, made a heartfelt apology in the Kaikohe district court surprising all and got off the
It is newsworthy because of the assault on the PM. This was a turnaround on their previous statements where the men expressed no remorse about attacking John Key. (National) -
The details of the horrific knife attack on Sophie Ellison by her partner Clayton Weatherston are made public in court.
Weatherston attacked Sophie Ellison 216 times with a knife. The whole trial is receiving extensive coverage in the news but this is the first time that these details are publicised. The Crown said it was a persistent focused and determined attack aimed at disfiguring and mutilating her. (National) -
New Delhi’s highest court overturns the ban on homosexuality in India. Homosexuality has been illegal in India since 1861. Court justices declare the old law to be a violation of human rights and equality outlined in India's Constitution.
This is a landmark ruling that could usher an era of greater freedom for gay men and lesbians in India. The High court decriminalized homosexuality, which has been illegal since 1861. It’s an historic moment in Indian history, which has generally been a country that has never welcomed homosexuality especially in the rural areas. Its something that will impact society in India. (International) -
Russia will open its airspace for the United States military to use in order to fight the war in Afghanistan. President Obama will visit Russia for the first time during his presidency on July 6 and 7 to make the announcement and to meet with Russian pres
This proposed agreement during President Obamas visit represents one of the most concrete of his efforts to rebuild a relationship severely strained by last years war between Russia and Georgia. The new transit route will also give American forces more alternatives as they encounter rising troubles elsewhere. This is an Important and historic decision . (International) -
Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Taleban in Pakistan, is believed to have been killed by a C.I.A. drone strike
The assassination of Benazhir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan, the terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan in Sept. 2008, and dozens of other suicide bombings have been attributed to Mehsud. This is a severe blow for the extremists and threatens the stability of this nuclear-armed nation. (International) -
"King of Pop" Michael Jackson’s’ June 25 death is ruled a Homicide by drug overdose. Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, gave him the powerful anaesthetic propofol and the sedative lorazepam on the day of his death.
MJ's death has extremely high sensationalist value. Since it was first announced there has been speculation that drugs may have contributed. The man was world famous and created a new style to music starting with his obscene dance moves and high pitched singing and catchy phrases and other eccentricities. (International) -
Chinese president Hu Jintao announces China's intentions to reduce emissions by a "notable amount" by 2010. He also said the country would try to use more renewable and nuclear energy.
This is the first time China has agreed to lower energy intensity. This is a bold step toward climate change but also one that has been a long time in the waiting since it is the world’s largest polluter nation. -
An underwater 8.0-magnitude earthquake causes a tsunami in Samoa and American Samoa that kills more than 115 people. With the toll still rising it is feared more lives have been lost.
The ‘disaster story’ has created havoc and distress for not only Samoa but also surrounding islands. The damage of the earthquake produced a lot of concerned faces around the world especially in New Zealand where a myriad of Samoans and Islanders dwell. (International) -
Rio De Janeiro wins the bid for the 2016 Olympics and will be the first South American city to host the Games. Rio beat Chicago for which President Obama had supported in an address to the International Olympic Committee, Tokyo, and Madrid.
This piece of news came as a surprise to many and the announcement that Rio would host the pinnacle of sporting events bought tears to the Brazilian president. It was highly unlikely that Rio De Janeiro would beat the likes of Spain, Mexico and Tokyo in the bids to host it. This story brings with it novelty and history in the making seeing as it’s the first south American nation to ever host the Olympics. (International) -
By 1 November 2009 it will be illegal to talk or send messages on handheld mobile phones. Drivers using handheld mobiles, if caught, will be liable for an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.
It is newsworthy because it means a change in law and that a lot of New Zealanders will have to change their habits or purchase hands-free kits. (National) -
All Whites qualify for World Cup. A headed goal from Rory Fallon and a penalty save from Mark Paston carried the All whites to World Cup Soccer tournament in South Africa next year
This is only the second time that a NZ soccer team has qualified for the World Cup. The last time was 28 years ago. The win sparked scenes of jubilation among the home players and most of the capacity strong, boisterous crowd of 35000 at Westpac stadium. (National)
