News is a current event, information or story about something that is happening now. People can learn about news through different media, including word of mouth, written publications, television and radio. People also get news from websites and social networks.
News can be about any topic, but it usually concerns human affairs. It can also be about natural disasters, such as a cyclone, bush fire, drought or volcanic eruption. News can also be about a political event, such as a coup or a war. People are interested in what is going on in their local community, and in the world. People also like to know about famous people. They are interested in what they are doing, what they look like and their achievements. People are also interested in health news – they want to hear about new medical research, diseases, hospitals and clinics. They are also interested in stories about exercise, diet and sex.
The deciding factor in whether something is newsworthy or not is often how unusual it is. If someone is doing the same thing every day, it does not make news. For example, if a man wakes up every day, eats breakfast and takes the bus to work, it does not make news unless something unusual happens.
To decide if a story is newsworthy, journalists must ask themselves five questions: Who, What, When, Where and Why. They also need to consider how important and significant the event is. They must also consider whether it has happened before and, if so, how recently.
How the information is delivered is also important. The way it is presented may affect how much interest the public takes in it. News is often delivered in a manner that aims to capture the attention of the audience, for example through sound bites or headlines. The type of audience being targeted must also be taken into account, for example the age range or location of readers.
Once the facts have been established, an opinion must be formed. This will help the reader to understand the significance of the news. It will also help them to draw conclusions about what it means for them and their lives. The opinion must be balanced and fair. If the opinion is biased or extreme it may not be trusted.
One of the most important roles of News is to hold those in power accountable. This is done through investigative journalism, which identifies corruption and wrongdoing. The freedom of the press is essential for this role to be played effectively. Without it, those in power would be able to hide behind the veil of secrecy and ignorance. If the press is not free, it can only be used for propaganda and distortion. A free press is necessary for a democracy to function properly. It is also a necessary tool for informing the public and keeping them informed. Without it, citizens will be unable to make well-informed decisions about their lives and the world around them.