News is information about current events and is usually conveyed through newspapers, magazines, television or radio. It can also be delivered on the Internet. News articles often include the who, what, when, where, why and how of an event. They also contain images to convey a sense of what has happened. News stories should be written clearly and concisely. They should focus on current events and avoid speculation and opinion. The writer should use third person pronouns, like ‘he’,’she’, ‘it’ or ‘they’ instead of first person pronouns, such as ‘I’.
A news story should be interesting, unusual and significant. The more of these criteria it meets, the stronger the news value. In addition, a good news story should relate to people. People are interested in stories about famous people and their personal lives and are especially interested when they become involved in scandal or lose money or prestige. People are also interested in stories about their health and are concerned about disease, traditional remedies, hospitals and clinics, drugs and diet. They are also interested in sex, although this is a topic that is not always talked about openly.
Local news is important to readers because it affects their immediate community. This is why a newspaper often publishes daily local and regional news. However, national and international events are also important to many readers, and these can often dominate a news agenda.
The timing of a news story can also be important. It should be published as soon as possible after the event occurs. This is why most printed newspapers have sections dedicated to breaking news. It is also why many people subscribe to cable news services that deliver the latest stories instantaneously over the Internet.
It is important to note that the definition of news varies from society to society. For example, a robbery in one town may be big news while a burglary in another town is not. It also varies between the different kinds of news, for example a war in one country will be more important to readers than a coup d’etat in a neighbouring country.
There is no such thing as totally unbiased news, because the prejudices of the journalists and editors can influence what happens to be reported. They can decide what is important, which events and issues are worth covering, and which stories to emphasise. This can have a profound effect on the way that news is perceived, even in a democracy. In countries with repressive regimes, it can be difficult for journalists to operate freely and independently. In these situations, there is often a high risk of harassment and imprisonment, but the media can still play an important role by reporting on repressive actions taken by governments and by describing what the citizens are trying to do in spite of oppressive conditions. This can help to raise awareness of human rights violations. It can also encourage readers to take action against injustice.
