News is information about current events or issues that affect people in a specific way. It is important to keep up with the news, so we can be informed citizens. News can be found in a variety of media, including newspapers, television, radio and the Internet.
When writing a news article, the goal is to inform readers about the topic while capturing their interest. This is usually done by using a short, snappy headline and presenting facts in a straightforward manner. It is also important to check your facts before publishing. Having incorrect information can discredit your work and hinder your credibility as a writer.
Generally, what is considered newsworthy depends on how new, unusual, interesting or significant it is. For example, a bug that is a new species may be a major scientific discovery, but it will probably not make the front page of the local paper. However, if the bug is a threat to people’s food supply it could become big news.
People are interested in famous people and their personal lives, and their successes and failures. For this reason, many newspaper and TV shows feature profiles of well-known politicians, businesspeople, sports stars and entertainers. People are also interested in health-related news, such as reports on disease, hospitals and clinics, traditional remedies and medical research. In almost all societies, there is an interest in sex, and the news often contains stories about people who act outside of society’s generally accepted norms.
Another element of newsworthiness is drama. A sporting event is a great source of entertainment and will often make the headlines, especially when there is a close contest or a surprising outcome. The same is true for disasters such as fires, floods and volcanic eruptions. If an event is a natural disaster, it is often more interesting to the public than a political or economic development.
Finally, newsworthiness is often judged by how much it relates to people’s daily lives. For example, missing the bus on the way to work and having to walk the whole way is not likely to be considered newsworthy, but if you find an abandoned litter of baby tigers while on your walk it could make the papers.
The news that makes it into a newspaper, onto the 5:00 pm line-up on TV or posted on a website is the decision of a team of people who work for a news organization. These people are called editors, news directors or, in some cases, news managers. They sift through recommendations from reporters, assistant editors and others in their organization to decide what is newsworthy.
Once a story is selected, it is edited for length and clarity, and pictures are added as appropriate. Journalists must use plain language when describing technical subjects and avoid jargon, although it is acceptable to use industry-specific terms for a short time (as long as they are explained right away). They must also be sure that the facts they report are accurate.