The release of David Bain, the horrific murder of Christchurchwoman Emma Agnew and the weather bomb which brought devastation tomuch of Northland in March are just a few of the stories ONE Newsviewers said touched their hearts in2007.
But a quick look at the statistics from market research companyAC Nielsen reveals that when it comes to the most popular storieson the ONE News website, this year belongs to the celebrity - withsix out of 10 of the most-viewed stories relating in some way oranother to the weird and often wacky world of the rich andfamous.
There’s no points for guessing which celebrity topped the listwith her bizarre antics. Yes, you guessed it -back inFebruary generated more interest than other article on our sitethis year.
While it could be argued Britney hitting the number one spot - afeat she’s not managed in the charts for some time - is indicativeof the slow, gradual decline of hard-hitting journalism, it couldalso be argued that shaving your head and getting about townwithout knickers is news we just can’t resist taking a peak at.
But then again… if ever Kiwis needed evidence that theirfascination with Tinseltown was bordering on the obsessive, look nofurther than number five. Yep, you guessed it again - this time, soit’s no great surprise that this story made it to number three.
And as we know, everyone loves a good royal scandal and thereare few who could resist the temptation of clicking on a juicyheadline likein February.And with all the ingredients - drug overdose, bitter custody battle- of a gripping Hollywood saga, not even the script writers coulddream up, it’s not difficult to see why.
Meanwhile,,as she faced drug charges, gave strong signals that our mediaobsession with the celebrity is edging its way closer to home.
When it wasn’t a case of stars in your eyes, New Zealandersproved that they still have a keen interest in impending naturaldisasters and the environment, with a story about awhich shookthe East Coast of the North Island just days before Christmas.
On a sad and tragic note, the arrest of a man for the murder ofdeaf woman Emma Agnew shocked and angered New Zealanders,making number seven on the list.
So, while stories about a former Mouseketeer falling from graceand a minor royal caught on film in a compromising position areworlds apart from quakes, eclipses and tragedy Downunder, one thingremains the same - New Zealanders’ thirst for news remains asdiverse as it ever was.
Top 10 most popular stories on the TVNZ website for2007:
1. Britney Spears checks into rehab2. Bid to reach crater after lahar3. The Hobbit three years away, says Jackson4. Britneys hair up for auction 5. Royal blackmail plot uncovered 6. Holmes stands by charged daughter7. Man arrested over Agnew murder 8. Quake 6.8 magnitude hits east coast9. Blood moon shines over NZ skies10. Anna Nicole Smith dead
Do you think these stories were worthy of making the top10? Have your say on these stories and your story of the year onthe message board below: