News is current information about events in society and around the world that has been collected, reported on, analyzed and published. It presents the facts of the matter and is objective. It can also provide analysis and interpretation. It can be written by professionals or amateurs alike, although it is best when sourced and presented by journalists. It is often a first rough draft of history and can be influential.
The Classic definition of News is “Dog bites man, news.” However, it may vary by the cultural context in which it is being discussed. If dogs are eaten in a particular society, for example, it may not be news when one is killed. But, if the killing of the dog is an unusual event for that society, it will likely be a piece of newsworthy information.
Often, News is used to hold those in power accountable. It promotes transparency by exposing corruption, scandals and unethical behavior. It can also help people make sense of complex situations by providing context, background information, different opinions and more.
Lastly, News can be entertaining and leisurely by presenting lifestyle segments, sports coverage, celebrity gossip, and more. It can be a useful way of keeping citizens up to date on what’s happening in their local area and community. It can also provide a much-needed break from more serious news. It can be particularly important in the case of a government crackdown or revolution when other forms of media are not available.