News is the information that people receive from news sources and publications about events or things happening in the world. It can come from any source including television, radio, the Internet and other media.
The term news originated in ancient China and has been used for a variety of stories since then. Throughout history, new information has been transmitted through oral means and then written down in newspapers, magazines and other types of publications.
Some of the most common topics for news reports include war, government, politics, education, health, the environment, economy, business, fashion, entertainment and sport. There are also a variety of other topics, such as quirky or unusual events, that can make news.
Traditionally, only trained journalists and other news personnel were the major suppliers, reporters and gatekeepers of news. However, the advent of technology and other forms of digital media have changed the nature of news and how it is produced and distributed.
Today, all of us are suppliers, reporters and gatekeepers in the process of deciding what becomes news and how it is presented. This is particularly true for social and political issues that are deemed to be relevant to our communities, nations and the world at large.
A number of factors influence the selection process for news items, including the familiarity of the story to the audience, the geographical footprint of relevance and the potential for widespread sharing on social media (Galtung and Ruge 1965). Other considerations include whether a story is exclusive to a particular outlet or has already been widely publicised elsewhere, and if the story has a strong negative or positive overtone.
Controversy is another important factor in the news selection process. Stories about conflicts, arguments, charges and counter-charges, fights, insurrections, and warfare are regarded as news items because they have the potential for creating drama, generating tension and raising issues.
Emotion is also a factor in the news selection process, as people are interested in stories that are related to human interest and emotional responses. Examples of this type of news include the death of a loved one, a tragic accident or an unfolding crime.
Magnitude is another important consideration in the news selection process, as stories that are perceived to have a sufficiently large impact are thought to be relevant to audiences. Such stories often feature arresting photographs, video, audio and/or infographics that could be shared via social media.
Opinion is a consideration in the news selection process, as people are very interested in stories that they feel have a strong opinion about. Such stories often contain the opinions of experts, journalists and other members of the community who are knowledgeable about the topic.
Opinionated sources of news can be a great way to keep up with current events and stay informed about topics that are important to you. Rather than just reading the headlines, read blogs and the opinion sections of newspapers and other publications to get a more in-depth view of the main topic.