News is information about events in the world, usually reported by journalists and distributed through print and broadcast media. It is about current affairs, such as wars, politics, religion and sports, as well as quirky or unusual events. It also covers social trends, such as celebrity and fashion, and economic issues like food prices, salary rises and compensation claims.
News articles are often based on facts, but they can be framed as opinions or analysis, depending on the genre of the piece. The goal of a journalist is to provide accurate information in an interesting way to attract and engage readers. This is achieved through research, interviewing sources and writing concisely.
In the modern sense of the word, news is also delivered via digital and social media platforms. The most popular website in the world, Facebook, is used by billions of people to receive news and updates from around the world. Other popular websites include Google news, the Guardian, BBC, and CNN.
While traditional methods of getting news are still important, the majority of Americans now get their daily dose of news from online sources. These sources are more likely to be partisan and politically biased, but they can offer in-depth coverage on specific topics. Some of these online news sources are aggregators that pull in news from a variety of other sites and blogs, while others have a dedicated team of journalists writing original content.
A classic definition of news is that it should be new or unusual. This can be difficult to define, but some examples of news include road traffic accidents, explosions, murders and fires. The most common news subjects, though, are government and politics, business, education and health. Events such as royal ceremonies, laws and taxes, budgets and unemployment are all newsworthy, as are crimes, scandals and the deaths of famous people.
The earliest forms of news were conveyed by mouth, but as technology improved, the speed and volume of transmission increased, along with the ability to print and publish. Since the beginning of history, news has been a major part of the human experience. It can be a source of identity and a way to stay in touch with the world.
The news varies from society to society, and what is considered important in one place may not be in another. For example, it is unlikely that a farm wall collapsed killing a cow and a pig will make the news in a society that eats both animals. In contrast, a robbery or rape is much more likely to be newsworthy in any society. Likewise, an art theft or a forged painting may be a significant event even in societies where paintings are not held in high esteem. In such cases, the news can be used to change attitudes and perceptions. It can also educate the public about culture, religion and historical perspectives on a topic. The news can inspire empathy and debate, or it can cause outrage.