News is information about current events and developments. It provides a window into the world and keeps us informed about what is going on locally, nationally and internationally. It can also include information about culture, science, politics and the economy. News is delivered through a variety of mediums including print, television, radio and the internet.
What makes an article newsworthy? Basically, anything that happens to people that is new, unusual, interesting, significant or about them. It can be a crime, natural disaster or political event – even something as mundane as a road traffic accident or the weather. A coup in the country next door is big news, as is an outbreak of disease, while a local fire or a celebrity divorce are less important.
The Five Ws are the key to writing a good news story: who, what, where, when and why. Ask yourself these questions and then try to source the facts that will answer them. This is how you will get your article to be as accurate and informative as possible.
It is also important to consider who you are writing the article for and what their reaction will be. This can help you to find an angle and make it unique to your readership. You can also consider asking yourself how you would react to the news and what you would want to read about if you were the audience member.
Another important function of news is to promote accountability. It exposes corrupt and unethical behaviour, and allows the public to hold governments accountable for their actions. It also encourages debate and discussion on topical issues.
Lastly, news also serves as an educational tool, providing background information and different perspectives on complex issues. It helps to inform the public and educate them about topics such as science, politics, the environment, the economy and culture.
The history of news dates back to ancient times, when rumours and gossip spread about wars, kings and general events. It was mainly passed down orally, until the development of writing, which allowed it to be stored and shared more easily. This is when the first printed news stories emerged.
While there are several models of how news is made, one of the most popular theories is the Mirror Model which states that news should reflect reality. This theory is often used by journalists to determine what constitutes newsworthy stories.
The most effective news articles provide the reader with a clear, concise and engaging narrative. They feature the most important information first and in chronological order, as well as avoiding the use of excessive emotive language. They are also written in the active voice, and avoid giving personal opinions. If you are unsure whether an article meets these criteria, it is worth having your editor read it before submitting it. They will be able to advise you on any improvements that can be made. They may suggest rearranging paragraphs, simplifying wordy sentences or removing redundant information.