News, sometimes called hard news, is information about current events that is available to people through various media. These may include word of mouth, printing, postal systems, broadcasting, and electronic communication.
Characteristics of News
The type of news that makes the most impact on readers depends on the way it is presented. Newspapers usually rely on printed words to convey news, while television and radio use moving images and spoken word.
In addition to printed words, television and radio also rely on sound, which adds another layer of meaning and emotion to news stories. The sounds of a fire burning, a dog biting a man, or the roar of an elephant are all examples of sound that tell a story about news.
Drama in News
The most dramatic of all news stories is one that involves a significant loss of life, damage, or natural disaster. This kind of news has a strong emotional element, often causing the viewer to empathize with the victims.
Prominence in News
It is common for news items to revolve around prominent people who are involved in important events. This is because people are interested in the lives of those they can identify with.
Currency in News
It’s important for people to be able to recognize news from other types of messages. This is especially true for younger people, who tend to have a more fluid understanding of the difference between printed words and moving video images.
