News coverage is a broad category that includes newspaper and TV reports, radio and other digital media. The subject matter of the news varies widely, but it is often focused on politics, crime, economics, health, sports and weather. The goal of modern news coverage is to inform the public.
For example, network news programs report on national issues such as presidential campaigns, skirmishes between countries, and international conflicts. Local news programs typically focus on topics such as regional business, police reports, and weather.
Journalists are tasked with covering the “Five W’s” (who, what, when, where and why), but they also must be unbiased and avoid sensationalism. They have limited space and time, so they must make judgment calls about what to prioritize. In addition, they must be able to provide the information the audience needs quickly and accurately.
Despite these challenges, many people still trust the news. The Washington Post is known for their political coverage, winning over 300 major awards including Pulitzers. And the AP, the world’s most trusted source of news since 1846, has taken on new challenges by adapting to mobile-first platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
When news isn’t impartial or balanced, it can be difficult for audiences to understand what the purpose of a story is and how it was chosen. As such, it’s important to explain the criteria that goes into determining your news content—for instance, in a pull-out box alongside a story or in a note above on online version.
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