News is information about recent events and developments. It is often reported in the media as factual, objective and neutral but can contain biased opinions. Democracies depend on a free press to keep citizens informed.
While the definition of news differs from country to country, there are certain common themes that run through the stories. People are interested in events that affect them directly, such as wars, natural disasters, crimes and health issues. Other important topics include the economy, government, education, the environment, fashion and sports. In the 21st century, technology has increased the speed and influence of news. The internet has allowed news to be shared around the world instantly.
Traditionally, news was communicated orally and written in short form. Later, with the development of printing presses and newspapers, it was published in long form. In the modern age, news is transmitted through television and radio broadcasts and the internet. Newspapers are still a major source of news, as well as online sources.
There are several factors that determine a story’s newsworthiness, including impact, proximity and controversy. The impact factor considers the number of people affected by an event or how much attention it has received. The proximity factor looks at how close an event is to home. A story that involves a celebrity or a public figure is often considered more newsworthy than one that does not. Controversy or tension can also be an element of a news story. This includes controversies, arguments and disagreements that may involve public debate or political tension.
The first paragraph of a news article is called the lede or lead and should grab the reader’s attention. This can be done through a dramatic anecdote, a surprising fact or an important breaking news update. The lede is the most important part of the article, as it will determine whether readers continue to read the story. Once the reader has been hooked, it is then necessary to create a “nut graph.” The nut graph is a paragraph or two that answers the questions who, what, when, where and why. The nut graph also often places the new development in context, such as explaining its impact on the greater society or its history.
News articles should contain quotes from people who have knowledge of the situation. These should be placed in quotation marks and properly cited, including the person’s full name, title and workplace, if available. It is also a good idea to have someone else read the final draft of your article for proofreading and to double check your facts. It is important to avoid plagiarism. Using other people’s words without giving them credit is unprofessional and can lead to legal action. It is also a good idea to cite your sources in the article, especially if they are not well known. This can help you avoid libel and slander. It is important to cite the proper names of people involved in a news story and to use the correct gender for anyone mentioned.