Top 10 news stories of 1980

Ronald Reagan's election was the most significant news story of 1980. But the hostages in Iran had the greatest "headline impact" during the year. Those were some of the conclusions in the annual balloting of editors of US daily newspapers. The voting was conducted by United Press International.

For long-term significance, editors picked stories in this order:

1. The Reagan election.

2. Inflation and the economy.

3. Hostages in Iran (including rescue mission.)

4. Iran-Iraq war.

5. Polish workers strike.

6. Cuban refugees.

7. US racial unrest.

8. Abscam-Brilab scandals.

9. Voyager I close-up photos of Saturn.

10. Olympic boycott.

Stories chosen for greatest headline impact were:

1. Hostages in Iran.

2. Reagan election.

3. Inflation and economy.

4. Mt. St. helens eruption.

5. Iran-Iraq war.

6. Cuban refugees.

7. Olympic boycott.

8. Polish workers strike.

9. Abscam-Brilab scandals.

10. US racial unrest.

11. Italian earthquake.

12. John Lennon's murder.

The strong showing of the Reagan and Iran stories was no surprise. Nor was the vote given to economic issues. inflation ran a double-digit pace during the year, and the prime soared twice to 20 percent or more -- each time setting records.

The Iran-Iraq war rated highly in both scales. if the fighting doesn't end, the war could result in slimmer supplies of oil and higher prices on world markets.

Racial unrest, including riots in Miami and the shooting of civil rights leader Vernon Jordan in Indiana figured in front page stories for the first time since the 1960s.