News is information about events that have happened or are happening. It can be about politics, crime, business, weather, sports or any other topic that might interest the public. Historically, news was carried by word of mouth, but with the development of newspapers and radio and then television, the transmission of news became more widespread. Today the Internet plays an important role in both distributing news and influencing its content.
When writing a news article it is important to keep in mind that the information you are conveying should be factual and not biased. It is also important to avoid informing the reader of your own opinion on a particular subject, unless that opinion is directly related to the story you are reporting. A good way to keep from injecting your own bias into a news article is to interview the subject of the story and let them speak for themselves. For example, if you are reporting that a business has replaced its CEO, then you might interview the new CEO and have them give their opinion on the matter.
The most common topics for news articles are events that have a significant effect on the lives of people. These might include war, government, politics, education, health, the economy and the environment, as well as celebrity or sports news. Other interesting or quirky topics might be art, such as a museum announcing the discovery of an artist forgery, or food and drink, such as crop shortages or gluts. Weather can also be a major source of news, as can changes in technology or transport (for example when a new train line opens).
It is often the case that different societies will have very different ideas about what makes a newsworthy event. This is reflected in how the information is reported in their news outlets. For example, the death of a royal person may be very big news in one country, while in another it might be a minor event.
What are the best sources of News?
Using a news aggregator website can be a great way to get a variety of perspectives on a breaking news story. Many of these sites are considered relatively unbiased, and will provide you with an accurate overview of the current situation. It is also helpful to know which news outlets are most trustworthy, and which have a tendency to spin stories or exaggerate facts.
For young students, it is a good idea to use kid-friendly news sources that present information in an appropriate manner for their audience. Some adult news outlets can be confusing or even frightening for kids, and they might be less likely to read or watch them if they feel like the content is not suitable for them.
As demand for high-quality accounts of fast-breaking news increases, it becomes increasingly important to acquire skills in identifying the essential elements of a story, gathering and presenting information efficiently, and writing concisely and meaningfully. The readings, discussions and assignments in this course will help you develop those skills.