News is an important part of the information lifecycle. It helps people stay up-to-date with what is happening around them and provides a basis for debates about the issues that matter most to their lives. It also helps people understand the difference between facts and opinion and how they are shaped.
What is news?
News can be about anything that is significant to an audience. It can be about a political issue, an economic crisis, a natural disaster or any other event that affects people’s lives.
It can also be about something that is of interest to the news reader, for example a sporting event or celebrity scandal.
What is good news?
A story about a major change in the world is good news. This is because it makes people think about how they can improve their own lives and the world. It can also make them feel more optimistic and less worried about the future.
What is bad news?
A news story can be bad if it is about something that is wrong, or if it causes people to worry. It can also be bad if it is about something that makes people angry or if it causes them to feel depressed.
What is interesting news?
Most of the time, people want to hear about what is happening in their communities or on a worldwide scale. This is why newspapers often have a wide range of stories in their daily papers.
Some of the most popular types of news include:
Controversy and Prominence
A news story about a prominent person is a good news item because it attracts attention and creates interest. If a person has been involved in a scandal or has lost their money, this is very important news because it affects many people’s lives.
Currency and Oddity
A new discovery by scientists may be a good news story because it is unusual and is likely to appeal to the public. However, it might not be very significant to the general public and would merit only a few words in a specialist newspaper.
Emotion and In-depth pieces
A good news article will have a variety of sources, including journalists, experts and ordinary people. It will also be written in a way that is easy for the average person to understand, and it should not contain any personal opinion or bias.
The main source of news in modern society is the press. This includes newspapers, radio and television.
It is a powerful tool, but it can also be dangerous and cynical. If we don’t have freedom to choose what we read and listen to, the news can be a propaganda machine.
In a democracy, the news is a political medium and should be presented in a fair and accurate manner. It should not sway people’s opinions but should help them to make informed choices about their own lives.
The best news articles take a step back from breaking news and thoughtfully explain the reasons behind an issue. This is called explanatory journalism. Look for outlets that focus on these kinds of stories, such as VOX, Refinery29, The Skimm and Flare’s Explainer series.