News is information about current events. It may be reported by journalists or provided by citizens. News may be transmitted verbally, in written form, by word of mouth or via electronic communication systems. It is often classified as hard or soft news depending on the subject matter and its impact on society.
Hard news is a story that gets top billing in a newspaper, on a website or at the start of a news broadcast. This type of news is usually controversial, has a broad impact or involves major catastrophes or crimes. Its prominence may be based on its timeliness, proximity to the audience or its impact on the economy. It often includes interviews with affected parties and extensive research into a single topic.
The goal of a news story is to present first-hand accounts of a significant event, along with relevant background information and commentary. News articles should be factual, without editorial bias. They should address the five Ws: who, what, when, where and why. It is important to include as many sources of information as possible, especially when writing a news article about an individual. This helps to validate your story and provides credibility. It is also a good idea to cite your sources whenever possible, and to use their formal titles.
While it is true that every human being has conscious and unconscious biases, it is important for the media to try and be as neutral as possible. It is not acceptable for news to be skewed towards one side or another, and it is best to avoid using derogatory language when referencing any group of people.
It is also important to keep in mind that a free press is an essential component of democracy. It is impossible for a government to function without a citizenry that is informed about what is going on around them. While the news cycle can be overwhelming, it is critical to balance it out with stories that evoke hope and change.
When discussing politics with family or friends, it can be helpful to have a plan for how to proceed. If you find that the conversations are becoming too emotional or unproductive, consider taking a break or inviting a neutral party to join. It is also a good idea to seek out positive news stories that can counterbalance the negative ones, and don’t forget to exercise your freedom of speech.