News is information about events that have happened and that are of interest to the public. It is usually reported by journalists and published in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. It may also be distributed in other formats such as social media and emails. People can use news to keep up with current affairs, find out about what is happening in the world around them and to form opinions about important issues.
When writing a news article it is important to research the subject extensively. This includes gathering primary and secondary sources of information, as well as interviewing the people involved in the story. It is also essential to know the audience of the publication for whom you are writing. This can help you shape your reporting so that it is relevant to them.
Hard news is typically what people see on the front page of a newspaper, the top of a web page or at the beginning of a news broadcast. It is usually news about politics, war, business or natural disasters and has a significant impact on the community.
Soft or feature news is human-interest stories about prominent people, an unfolding drama or a fascinating or unusual topic. These can include lifestyles, the arts, entertainment, food and health. They are often written using an anecdote to draw the reader in.
The type of information that makes news can vary from one society to another. What is interesting or significant in one society may not be so in another, for example the death of a cat can make the news in one society but not in another, where cats are less important.
If a story sounds too good to be true, it probably is. People should always be sceptical about any news that seems melodramatic or overblown. It is also a good idea to seek out news sources that you disagree with, to get a more balanced view of the information you are consuming.
It is important to keep in mind that while the internet can be a great source of information, it can also spread misinformation and falsehoods at a rapid rate. People should always be sceptical of any news that they receive through their social media accounts or forwarded emails and should investigate claims before acting on them.
It is also vital to write a quality headline that is short and informative, as this will be the first impression the reader will have of your news article. It is also helpful to read other headlines and watch the news to learn how they are written, as this can give you a good idea of what works and what doesn’t. If possible, use Associated Press style formatting for your headlines if you are working on a professional publication. This will ensure consistency and accuracy in your articles. You should also proofread your work to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors and that all of the information is accurate.