In public relations, what does "proximity" refer to regarding news coverage?

Proximity in public relations primarily refers to the relevance of local stories to the audience. This concept emphasizes that news or information is often more impactful and engaging for an audience when it pertains to their immediate community or environment. When a story is local in nature—whether it involves local businesses, events, or issues—it tends to resonate more with the audience because they can relate to it personally. This can lead to higher interest and engagement with the news, making it a crucial factor for public relations practitioners when crafting messages or selecting stories to promote.

By focusing on local relevance, public relations efforts can effectively reach and engage their target audiences, thereby enhancing the overall communication strategy. This understanding of proximity allows professionals to prioritize stories that will garner attention and support from their community, ultimately achieving better visibility and impact for the messages they aim to convey.