News is information about events that affect the world or people. It can be about war, politics, sports, crime, education, fashion or the economy. News is usually reported in newspapers and on television and radio. It can also be found on the internet.
Historically, news was spread orally from person to person. The earliest written news was found in ancient China. The development of the printing press and other technologies increased the speed and spread of news.
The most important job of the media – whether it is newspapers, magazines, radio or television – is to inform and educate their readers, listeners and viewers. If they can entertain them too that is an added bonus, but entertainment should not be the main focus of news. This can be done through music and drama on radio or TV; crosswords and cartoons in newspapers and magazines; or on social media.
What is considered newsworthy varies from society to society. In some cultures, for example, a bug infesting crops is not considered newsworthy, but in others, it is a major problem. Some things are considered newsworthy because they change the way we live, such as an invention or technology. Other things are simply interesting, such as the latest celebrity scandal or a major event in history.
Writing a news article begins with researching the topic. The reporter needs to find out all the facts he or she can about the event or news item and then decide what is most important to include in the article. A good journalist will write the most important points first and then fill in the gaps with other relevant information.
Once an article is written, it must be proofread for accuracy and style. The writer must also make sure the information is unbiased and does not contain any personal opinions. It is also helpful to have someone else read the piece to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. It is a good idea to use third-person pronouns like ‘he’,’she’, ‘it’ and ‘they’ rather than first-person pronouns such as ‘I’.
In an age where so much information is available at our fingertips, it is important to choose our sources carefully. Too much false or misleading information can lead to confusion and misunderstandings which may have serious consequences. For instance, if you are seeking medical advice online, be sure the source is trustworthy and that its claims have been evaluated by a professional. The same goes for social media and email sharing – be cautious of circulating information that has not been thoroughly checked or vetted.