News is information about something that has recently happened, is important or interesting and is worth sharing. It may be broadcast on TV or radio, printed in newspapers, posted on websites or even yelled across the room. Some news is world-wide and affects everyone, while other news is local and relates to the community. News can be positive or negative, and can include anything from a new product that is being launched to an approaching storm or tragedy that occurs locally.
There are a number of models that describe how news is selected and consumed, but they don’t necessarily account for all aspects of news. In one model, stories are chosen based on their impact and incorporate violence and scandal. They must also be familiar and local to attract readers. Additionally, they must be time-sensitive and have a strong narrative.
When writing a news article, it is often best to start with the main point of the story. This is called the lead and should grab attention by being dramatic or surprising. It is usually followed by a paragraph that answers the questions who, what, when, where and why. The last part of the article is often called the nut graph, and it includes more details about the story and why it matters.
It is important not to add too much opinion or bias into the news story. The writer should let the subjects of the story do the talking, or use quotations from their own statements in the article. For example, if the subject is using a specific piece of equipment to study malaria, then the writer should quote the scientist and say “This is what Dr Jones has said about the new equipment.”
Many sources contribute to news, but government agencies are responsible for the largest share of original reporting and dissemination. In one study of six major news events, 63% of the stories were initiated by government officials and led first by the police. The press, interest groups and other sources made up the rest. This is a stark contrast to the past, when most of the world’s news was provided by private sources such as United Press International and Reuters.
While it is easy for governments to shut down media outlets and limit information flow, the internet has made it increasingly difficult for them to stop people from obtaining and spreading the news. This has given rise to bloggers and citizen journalists, who act as informal news sources. While these sources do not have the same journalistic standards as traditional media, they can still influence the way people perceive the world. They can challenge the status quo, report on political protests and highlight issues that are otherwise overlooked. This form of journalism is known as “unconventional media.” It has grown significantly in recent years, and has helped shape how the world views itself and its leaders. This type of media can also influence public opinion in a country, which is a major factor in foreign policy decisions.