News is the information about current events, mainly related to politics, culture, economics and sports. It is often reported on television, radio and the Internet, but it can also be found in newspapers and magazines. News is the lifeblood of a democracy and it is essential to understand how the media shapes and disseminates that news.
To determine what is newsworthy, editors and journalists consider the following factors: Magnitude (how many people are affected); Proximity (whether the event took place close to home); Controversy or tension; and the degree of public interest (e.g., whether a famous person is involved). Other news values include exclusivity (whether the story is being told first by the newspaper); and the degree to which it shocks or surprises readers.
As a result of 24-hour news channels and social media, we see more and more news. It can be overwhelming, so it is important to set aside time to read the news in order to stay informed.
When writing a news article, it is generally best to keep the paragraphs short and punchy for the sake of appearance and readability. Also, it is best to write in the third person for clarity and to avoid jarring the reader with the sudden switch to second or first person. It is also important to identify people by their full first name or initials.
Lastly, if a story is about someone famous, it is always good to check with the subject’s representatives and make sure that what has been written is accurate. A few erroneous statements can damage the credibility of a whole story, so it is wise to check sources carefully.