News is a report of any event that has happened in the past 24 hours or which people may be interested in hearing. This can include a new invention or discovery, something happening locally that is of interest to the community, a political development or an event that causes concern in society. News should be current, interesting and significant. It should also be told clearly and picturesquely and, of course, be accurate.
It is the people who make news, so stories about them are important. This includes famous people and what they are doing, as well as ordinary members of the public who have achieved something of note. It is also interesting to know about their relationships, their children and their pets. In addition, all societies are interested in health, so they are concerned about their medical care, hospitals and clinics, diseases, diet, exercise and sex.
It is the role of news media to inform and educate. This can include providing different points of view, background information and expert opinion. They also have an important role in holding people in power accountable. They do this by reporting on corruption, scandal and unethical behaviour. It is also useful to provide analysis and interpretation so that people can understand what is happening, why it matters and what the implications are. This helps them to make informed decisions about how they wish the world to be. It also gives them the courage to speak out when they think that the world is not being fair or just.