News is information about current events that has been conveyed to an audience through a variety of means since ancient times. It was originally transported from one person to another by word of mouth, but it has become possible to send information more widely and quickly using various technological developments such as printing, postal systems, radio, television, electronic communication, and the Internet. The news that people receive can affect their daily lives, and it is important for them to be informed about issues which could impact them directly or indirectly.
Some aspects of news stories are common across cultures, such as weather reports and celebrity gossip, but other topics depend on the culture. For example, in some societies dogs are eaten and it would therefore not be newsworthy if a man bites a dog. News about religion, such as archbishops’ views on issues such as women priests or gay marriage, can also vary from one society to another.
A key element of a news article is timeliness. This is why large media sources often focus on current events, as they know that this is what their audiences want to read about. It is also a reason why many of them are biased, and it is important for readers to be aware of the biases of the sources they use so that they can check that the information being shared is factual.
When it comes to online news, it is particularly important to make sure that the source of an article is reputable before you click on it. A quick look at the website’s “about” page can help you determine whether a source is credible or not.