News is the information that people get through newspapers, radio, television and internet. It can influence the public in both positive and negative ways. It can spread communalism on the one hand and preach nationalism on the other. It can also be used to educate the public about different topics.
The Definition of News
In the classic definition, news is any information that has become known to the general public for the first time. It could be something that happened a few days or weeks earlier but it would still be new.
It could be a crime, a war or a natural disaster; it might be about money or it could be about people. Generally, it is the unusual, interesting and significant that is news.
The Usefulness of News
A good news article will help the reader understand how things are happening in their area and how government policies are affecting them. They will also make them aware of the weather, train schedules and other such important information that they can’t live without.
The Educational Values of News
A news article can also teach the reader about the latest education and job opportunities. This can help them choose the right course and give them a better chance of getting the career they want.
The Attribution of Information
A reporter must indicate where he/she got the information that is in the article – from an interview, court documents, a Web site, or other sources. In addition, he/she must indicate which part of the article is primary and which is secondary.