News is the information that is published in newspapers, magazines or on radio or television. It may be about an event, person or place, or it could be about a business or other organization. News is often factual, but can also include opinions and commentary.
The idea of news has evolved over time, with different forms developing as technology and audiences change. For example, the Internet and social media have allowed for the publication of user-generated content. This is changing how news is sourced and the way in which it is presented (Domingo et al. Citation2019).
Traditional print and broadcast news sources remain important for many Americans, even among those who own the most digital devices. The use of these outlets is influenced by the gratifications audiences seek from their news consumption and the perception that they can provide an authoritative perspective on events and issues that are otherwise difficult to discern or find (Sundar and Limperos, 2013).
When selecting what to publish as news, there is a need to consider how it will be used by the audience, including its potential impact, shareability and relevance to the reader’s life, work, community or world. For instance, a company that announces it has created a new product has an audience that includes both customers and the general public. To ensure that the announcement has a good chance of being shared, it is necessary to write the news article in a tone and style that will be engaging for both groups.
For example, it is helpful to write in the first-person, as readers are more likely to believe that the news item is a true account from someone who has experienced it themselves rather than from an outsider’s perspective. It is also useful to be clear about which sources the information in a story came from, such as quoting directly from an interviewee or paraphrasing the words of a witness.
To make an event more compelling, it can help to have a photo or video to accompany the news item. This is especially useful for breaking news stories that have a strong human element or that involve large numbers of people. In addition, it is important to keep in mind the speed at which a news article should be read when deciding how to present it. For example, a TV anchor who talks too slowly may lose the attention of viewers, while a reporter who speaks too quickly might be misunderstood by listeners on the radio or over the Internet.
While some news organizations may be perceived as having a bias, it is important to consume diverse news sources in order to get a balanced perspective on an issue. This is why it is so important to ask friends, colleagues and other trusted sources where they get their news and what types of news they enjoy reading. It is also helpful to sign up for enewsletters that will deliver the latest news to your inbox.