What is the difference between something newsworthy vs only sensational?

The difference between something being newsworthy versus sensational largely depends on the criteria that journalists and media outlets use to determine what stories they cover.

Generally, newsworthy stories are those that are relevant, timely, significant, and impactful to a large audience. These stories usually have some kind of societal importance or impact, such as political developments, economic trends, scientific breakthroughs, or major events. News outlets often prioritize stories that have broad appeal and that people need to know about to make informed decisions or understand the world around them.

On the other hand, sensational stories often rely on shock value, emotional appeal, or controversy to attract attention. These stories may not necessarily have significant social value, but they are often attention-grabbing or entertaining. Sensational stories can include celebrity scandals, crime stories, or other stories that are designed to elicit strong emotions from readers or viewers.

In summary, newsworthy stories focus on informing the public about significant events or developments, while sensational stories aim to generate attention or excitement.