News is information about current events. It is reported by journalists and subsequently published in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. It is also distributed via word of mouth, postal systems and electronic communication. The main purpose of news is to inform, educate and entertain. The entertainment may come from drama and music on the radio or in newspapers through crosswords and cartoons. The news should not be biased and should be based on facts.
Almost any event can be considered newsworthy if it is significant enough or of interest to the public. Some examples include war, politics, crime, education, sports, fashion, the environment and economics. Government proclamations, royal ceremonies and laws are a constant source of news. Weather reports, cyclones, bush fires, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are all considered newsworthy as well.
Many people are interested in the activities of famous people. This is especially true when their actions or lifestyles go against society’s generally accepted standards. Celebrities who lose a lot of money, get into trouble with the law or become unpopular are often headline news. It is also common for people to make news by doing something extraordinary. For example, if someone climbs Mount Everest for charity this is newsworthy.
Natural disasters, disease, famine and war are all newsworthy because they have a direct impact on human life. However, not all stories about natural disasters or war are equal to each other as they have a different influence on different people. For example, a person who lives in a remote village may find the news about an outbreak of Ebola very disturbing whereas another person living in the same area might not be concerned at all.
It is important for journalists to know their audience and tailor their news accordingly. It is also necessary to understand the difference between a news story and an opinion piece. An opinion piece usually contains personal opinions and aims to persuade the reader to take a particular viewpoint. A news article, on the other hand, is a report on a specific incident and should be unbiased.
The key to writing a good news story is to use the “who, what, when, where and how” formula. This ensures that all the essential elements of the story are included and provides readers with an accurate picture of what happened. The “how” factor is particularly important, as this is what will compel the reader to act on the information provided.
In order to write a news story that is credible, it is crucial for the writer to have access to the sources of the information they are reporting on. This can be done by interviewing the relevant individuals and obtaining their quotes. It is also important for the journalist to avoid using overly dramatic or emotional language in the headline and body of the article. This can be avoided by referring to the “five Ws and H” rule (who, what, when, where and how). In addition, journalists should avoid using excessive adjectives, such as brilliant, excellent or astounding.