An earthquake in a far-off land is not as interesting as one that is close to home. The news must be timely to be of use to readers. Ordinary people are intrigued by the doings of the rich and famous. This is the new in news, the unusual. From the stories of Shakespeare to those of Disney, conflict has played a crucial role.
Newspapers are no different.
The answer to that question helps determine whether an event is news at all, and if it is, where it will be played in the paper.