1 - Defining News

What is News?

News is constantly transforming. What began as oral communication between neighbors has evolved into material shared across the world. Humans have always wanted to share their news, and with new technological advancements, these events are at our fingertips. But in a world overflowing with information, what exactly counts as news?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines news as "a report of events." This information is what the public wants to hear, the stories they want to share, and the announcements they anticipate. These incidents are primarily spread by word of mouth, shared on the internet, discussed on virtual platforms, or read in a newspaper.

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Everyone has their own version of news, but these events aren't just one thing; they are headliners, local updates, and even personal stories that someone wants to share. So, how is this information exchanged, and how far does news reach?

News primarily breaks down into distinct categories: personal, local, national, and global news. These categories are formed by the audience receiving the material and what is being shared.

Personal News

The moments that happen within a distinct social circle constitute personal news. Engagement announcements, pregnancy reveals, celebrating promotions, and highlighting academic achievements are all things we wish to share with those closest to us. These details are exchanged between friends, family, and significant others and pertains to any life-altering moments, career updates, health matters, and other achievements. Although these events are not headliners, these individual moments warm hearts and bring people together.

Local News

Local news happens within a specific community, county, city, or town. This type of news highlights occurrences within a region that may impact everyday lives: restaurant openings, festivals, traffic incidents and road conditions, crime reports, and deaths within the community. Although this information was primarily shared through newspapers and radio stations, online platforms have now emerged to present these events digitally. Now, as new material has become readily available, local news successfully keeps communities informed and involved.

National News

Events on the national level directly affect the population of that country. This type of news includes new policies, laws, or bills that have been passed, an update on statistics such as unemployment and homelessness rates, the deaths of prominent figures, disease outbreaks, or the occurrence of natural disasters. Major news networks and national newspapers share this information to reach a broad audience. These broadcasting systems keep people informed on a larger scale to bridge gaps caused by distance.

Global News 

Global news focuses on occurrences that impact the entire world. Events such as international conflicts, political exchanges, global health outbreaks, and updates on climate change are all detailed in news outlets. International news organizations report these events to make this information accessible to audiences worldwide. Because these incidents often trigger a ripple effect, audiences should be aware of what is happening in other parts of the world. Global news not only informs the public but also demonstrates how interconnected the world truly is.

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The Problem with News

Because news outlets want to be the first to inform, information can quickly become skewed or inaccurate, causing irreversible damage to public perception. There are even some individuals who bring bias to the report or fabricate fake news to mislead others because they disagree with a particular opinion, stance, or story. 

Because social media has created a world of fast-paced information, news can sometimes blur fact and fiction. Disinformation, false material intended to mislead, and misinformation, inaccurate details, are prominent in media and can quickly influence how an article is received. These platforms may headline these inaccurate retellings, ultimately leading to reports that may evoke negative emotions and spark controversy. Instead of informing, this news quickly becomes a weapon. 

With the modern age, news has become readily accessible. Audiences can access a variety of news through the touch of a button, opening the door for information that affects individuals locally and globally. Although news informs, audiences should be aware of misinformation and should verify sources and check credibility before reaching a consensus. As a tool, the news connects people across all aspects, creating a world where we are informed and involved in the now.