The news media – newspapers, radio and television – should inform and educate their readers, listeners and viewers. This does not mean they should be dull and boring, but entertainment can come from other sources – music and drama on the radio; crosswords and cartoons in newspapers.
The content of the news should be relevant to the audience. If it is not, the audience will lose interest. This applies whether the news is about a local, national or international event. It is the responsibility of the journalist to know his audience and to tailor the news for them.
To be newsworthy a story must meet five criteria: it must be new, unusual, interesting, significant and about people. In addition, it must be accessible to the reader. A story about an insect that is destroying crops may not be of great importance to most people, but it would be newsworthy if the insect was a serious pest that threatened human food supply.
It is also important to consider the impact a story will have. This can be in terms of the number of people affected, or in terms of the potential damage or loss that the story could cause.
Finally, a story must be logically presented. A reporter should include a good leading statement and a concise paragraph that summarizes the main point of the article. He should then follow up with all the main facts, including contact information or additional facts that would help readers learn more about the subject. Finally, he should end the news article with a clear and concluding statement that reiterates the lead statement or points out possible future developments relating to the subject.
While it is important to keep up with current events, a news report should not be used as a form of advertisement. The news should be factual and unbiased and should serve its purpose of informing and educating the reader.
Getting the news is easier than ever before. In addition to traditional outlets like newspapers and TV, many individuals now consume their news through online sources. Some of the most popular include social media, podcasts and video blogs. While it is possible to find most of the major news stories through these channels, some of the smaller and more specialized outlets may be missed.
Regardless of how people choose to consume their news, it is important that they do so. The world is changing rapidly and keeping up with the news is essential to understanding it. In a society that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it is important to be aware of what is happening around the world, particularly in regions and communities with which one is closely associated. Similarly, it is important to remain informed of the decisions made by elected officials in one’s own community, even if they do not directly affect oneself. The news can also provide a means to express opinions and make connections between issues that might seem unrelated at first glance.