What Is News?
The term “news” has many different meanings. It can refer to current events, and the media’s reporting of them. The term also includes the different formats used for news stories. For example, a newspaper may use a long-form news story or a short-form news story. A short-form news story, on the other hand, is usually more concise and less detailed.
Reporting of current events
EU copyright law permits certain uses of works for reporting current events. These are described as “noncommercial uses” and do not require the permission of the rights holder. However, certain limitations may apply. The use of a protected work for reporting current events must be within the context of the original story or content, and it must not divert the public’s attention from the original story.
Reporting of current events can be done through various media, including the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and radio. These media provide a variety of news and commentary.
Selection of news stories
The selection of news stories is a key function of news outlets. Some stories are more newsworthy than others, and there are certain criteria that journalists must follow when selecting stories to run. For instance, the BP oil spill met all of these criteria: it was unexpected, large, and catastrophic. It also involved an elite nation, and was widely covered by major news outlets. While news isn’t predetermined, the process of selecting stories is largely driven by journalistic codes, which reflect political, social, and economic ideologies.
Selection of news stories is influenced by many factors, some of which are subjective, while others are social, political, and cultural. For example, events and people that are considered newsworthy to one group may be irrelevant or trivial to another. Hence, news practices differ significantly across societies.
Formats of news stories
There have been a few recent innovations in news formats that have caught our attention. These innovations are often aimed at shortening the news story. For example, Snapchat Stories has introduced a card-based format for news stories. This format was originally developed by Medium and is now becoming a popular way to deliver news online. One of the first examples of a news story written in this format was “Fish: A Tap Essay.”
There are several common news story formats. For example, a feature story may consist of a first-person lead, which details the interviewee’s experience. This type of story may then broaden to cover larger issues.
Human interest stories
When writing human interest stories, the key is not to focus on the facts but to show human emotion. Good stories should have powerful prose. For example, a quote that touches a reader should be the heart of the text, and the story should be accompanied by powerful photos or videos. Instead of guiding readers through the story, let them feel the emotion for themselves.
Human interest stories often touch on values and notions that are universal. These stories are often placed at the end of news bulletins or even inside newspapers. Often, these stories take on a life of their own and influence society.
Entertainment stories
Throughout history, there has been a mix of serious and fun stories in the news. This tension has been present before the advent of television, and is heightened in the age of commercialism. The 1960s saw networks worry about their image and the pressures of commercial television. To counter the pressure, they began expanding their news operations and separating themselves from the state of entertainment. This has prompted serious debate over the role of news in the media.