In a world where news is breaking constantly and both legitimate and dubious sources of information proliferate, developing a strategy for staying informed can be daunting. Whether you want sober facts, in-depth journalism, thoughtful editorials or impassioned commentary, there are plenty of places to turn for information and insight.
News is current or recent events that affect people and/or their communities. It is a crucial part of democratic society, as it keeps citizens informed about local, national and global issues that impact their lives. It also serves to promote transparency, accountability and participation by fostering a sense of awareness and concern.
A news story is a timely account of an event or development, ideally delivered in an interesting and engaging way. It can be about anything, from a weather event to a celebrity scandal. However, it is important to remember that not all events are newsworthy. The classic definition of news is that it is unusual and significant; for example, “Dog bites man” is newsworthy but not “Man eats dog.” What is considered unusual and significant will vary from society to society.
The way in which news is distributed has changed dramatically over the years. Previously, printed news was phoned into a newsroom and manually set in type alongside other stories for a specific edition; today, it can be broadcast instantly around the world via satellite communications. This means that even in areas where the government is trying to shut down newspapers, radio and television stations, internet-capable mobile devices can provide a vital alternative channel for information and communication.