News is information about current events. It may be conveyed by word of mouth, printed materials such as newspapers and periodicals, broadcasting or electronic communication. People have been transporting new information since ancient times, but the industrialization of printing, postal systems and communication networks has increased the speed and the volume of transmission, as well as influencing what types of events are considered newsworthy.
A free press is often called the oxygen of democracy; it’s impossible for democracies to function without informed citizens, and it’s difficult for citizens to stay informed without a strong, independent media. While some critics argue that the modern mass media has become partisan and biased, others point to market research that shows people still prefer traditional sources of news when it comes to print publications, radio and television.
The word “news” can be used to refer to the entire range of information, but a journalistic definition of news focuses on what is important to society. It may be something big or small, good or bad, but it must be significant in some way.
When a news story is written, journalists focus on the following questions:
What is the impact of this event? Will it affect large numbers of people? Does it involve a controversy, tension or public debate? Is it important to the community or a particular region? How widely known is the subject? Does it involve a famous person or company? These questions help to guide journalists in deciding which events to report and what details to include.
The importance of an event also depends on its context. For example, if a local restaurant closes due to the economy, it’s front-page news. If the same restaurant closed in the previous year, it’s not quite as significant. Likewise, when a crime is committed, the impact depends on how unusual or serious it is.
A news event can also be of interest because of the implications it has for future events. For instance, a politician’s announcement that he or she will run for office might influence the choices of other politicians in the same party. Similarly, an oil spill might have major effects on international relations or trade.
An in-depth news article is similar to straight reporting, but it takes a single topic and researches it heavily. This type of report is often more analytical than descriptive, but it should be free from personal bias. In addition, it should provide a broad overview of the issue rather than focusing on specific details or incidents. Too much detail can confuse the reader and cause him or her to lose interest. It is also important to note that a news story should be concise, as readers may tire of reading lengthy stories with numerous tangents or winding sentences. This is especially true with the advent of the Internet and 24-hour news stations.