Ever heard the phrase, "If it bleeds, it leads"? It is a stereotypical reference to how some journalists choose the lead story of a newscast.

KOMU has a different criteria for what should be the first story. Recently, KOMU led with a tax story from Huntsdale, a town of about 30 people.

On the eve of election votes in Columbia and Jefferson City, one observer asked, "Was Huntsdale, a story that effects about 30 people, the right choice to lead the newscast?"

Huntsdale is a little town southwest of Columbia, that is so small it uses the city of Columbia for its mailing address.

"One element of news judgement is, 'How many people are impacted and affected by the story?'" said MU Radio/Television Department Chair Kent Collins. "It seems to me a story with 30 people involved is not worthy of leading a newscast for a population of about half a million people."

News managers and producers determine the lead story during an afternoon meeting. Not everyone agrees in the end but that's all part of the process.

"One of the things we do take into account when determining the lead story is human interest and broader impact," Executive News Producer Holly Edgell said. "We thought the interesting thing about the Huntsdale story was a small town, using the democratic process, the vote. They don't want to stay at 30 people and they are using very basic nuts and bolts of our system, to make things happen in their community."

As always, watch Friday nights at Six to get "Your View" of the news.