News is information about current events that is communicated in some way. This may be through word of mouth, written communication such as letters and newspapers, broadcasting, electronic communications and in person. News is usually factual but can also be opinion based. News is about what is happening, what has happened or what is going to happen and is often about people.
What makes news is what is unusual or significant. If something has happened that affects a large number of people then it is probably worth reporting. Things like coups d’état, war and natural disasters make for big stories but even mundane events such as an astronaut sending back pictures of the earth from space or a new antibiotic are often newsworthy.
A well written news article will answer the questions “what, when, who, where and why”. It should also be clear and concise, to keep the reader’s attention.
It is important to be aware of the biases of any news source that you are consuming. While nothing can be entirely unbiased, trying to read at least one source with a different view point can help you become more open minded on difficult topics.
