News is information about current and interesting events, obtained at every moment from every corner of the world. It must present these events in a clear and fast way, with accuracy and objectivity, in accordance with the ethical rules of the profession.
The purpose of the news media – newspapers, magazines, radio and television – is to inform and educate the public. It can also provide entertainment, but that is usually a separate activity from news gathering and reporting.
It is important to understand that no news source is 100 percent unbiased. Everyone has biases, and they can affect everything from the choice of stories to what is deemed significant. However, some sources have a reputation for being more trustworthy than others.
In order for an event to be considered newsworthy, it must be new (not just recently happened), unusual, interesting, significant and involve people. It must also be a subject that is of interest to the majority of the population. For example, a farmer’s field collapsing and killing both his cow and pig will not make the news in most societies, but if it kills both of his horses it will.
The most popular types of news are crime, politics and weather. There is a constant battle to find the next big story, something that will capture the attention of readers and viewers. This is especially true for online news, where competing websites compete to get the newest stories posted first.
A good start to a news article is a snappy headline that will catch the eye and seize the imagination. Then, the rest of the article should flow logically and be written in an objective tone. It is essential that all information be attributed, so that it can be traced back to its original source. This applies to all information, whether it is quotes or paraphrasing – and the source must be identified, regardless of its country of origin.
All societies are interested in famous people, and their lives, and it is newsworthy if they gain or lose money, or are involved in scandal. It is also newsworthy if they are prominent in their fields, and if they are involved in public affairs. People are concerned about their health, and this is reflected in the news media by stories on traditional remedies, medical research, hospitals and clinics, diseases, food, nutrition and diet. They are also interested in sex, which is often the focus of news stories that go beyond society’s generally accepted standards.
As the number of devices and platforms for receiving news grows, it is increasingly difficult to keep up with all of it. A good strategy is to read a wide variety of legitimate and dubious news sources, and to be cautious about the validity of online news. This way, you will be able to assess the news in the context of its own merits, rather than judging it by its clever marketing. This will help you stay informed and not get sucked into the whirlwind of rumors and propaganda.