Two university lecturers and former journalists have penned a book on what makes a good news story.

Paul Brighton and Dennis Foy, who both teach media studies at the University of Wolverhampton, have combined their broadcast and print expertise to write News Values.

The book looks at both media in an attempt to define why some stories are chosen for broadcast or publication and others left on the spike.

It is thought to be the first book-length study of the subject written by people who have worked both in the industry and as academics.

Dennis is a senior lecturer in media and a former Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Economist journalist.

Paul is the university’s head of media and former BBC News 24 and BBC Radio 4 presenter.

He said: “Trying to isolate exactly what makes a good news story is one of the toughest, and, at the same time, one of the most crucial assignments for any good journalist, and for any student of the subject.

“This is the first full-length book to take up the challenge.”

News Values also looks at the changing styles of news presentation and analyses radio, television, newspapers and online journalism as well as so-called citizen journalism.

It is aimed at both media students and journalists.