News is the information obtained and conveyed to the public through the media. Traditionally, this was done through newspaper, radio and television but is now also often available online. News can cover a range of topics, from current affairs and politics to sports and entertainment. It can be reported on a local, national or international level and can include human interest stories.
To be newsworthy, an event must be unusual, interesting, significant or about people. However, it must also be new. For example, if a girl goes to university or a man marries, these are not unusual, but they will not be in tomorrow’s papers because the events have already happened. If a woman dies in an accident or if someone wins the lottery, these are very likely to make the headlines because they are new and have not been reported before.
News articles usually start with a title and a lead (the main summary of the story). The title should be short, catchy and accurate, and if possible use Associated Press style guidelines unless the publication specifies something different. After the lead, there is a byline and then the article itself.
The word ‘News’ is used to describe any sort of news, but it is particularly important in democracies because a free press is viewed as essential for democracy. A society cannot function properly if its citizens are not informed. In addition, a free press can also be seen to be necessary for a healthy economy and the preservation of a society’s moral values.
