News is the information about events that affect the lives of people and their interests. It can be broadcast on TV, aired on the radio (or through podcasts), printed in newspapers or displayed on websites. It can be current or historical. The content of news differs depending on where it comes from, how fast it is reported and whether it is objective or biased.
Some examples of news are wars, government policies, natural disasters, accidents and crimes. It can also include sports news and celebrity gossip. Other news stories might be about new developments in technology, science or the environment. It can also be about fashion, entertainment or money. It is important to be able to read and understand different types of news to develop your vocabulary and grammar skills.
The content of news is influenced by several factors, including the opinions of the audience and the journalists themselves. In the past, people used to get their news from word of mouth or from written documents such as books. Now, the internet has changed the way we consume news and how quickly it can be reported. The demand for high-quality accounts of fast-breaking news has never been greater. The challenges of identifying a story and its essential elements, gathering information efficiently and writing concisely under pressure are considerable. The readings, discussions and exercises in this course are designed to help you develop the skills necessary to meet these challenges.
Objectivity is the key to good news reporting. The best way to achieve this is to find a trustworthy source of news and to use multiple sources. You can do this by using a news aggregator website that gathers a variety of different sources and displays them side by side so you can compare their perspectives. In addition, you should always try to avoid adding your own opinion to a news article; this is often called bias.
News is a highly emotive subject, so it can cause strong feelings amongst the audience. The way in which a news story is presented can also influence the reaction of the audience. This is why it is important to be aware of the political and social context in which you are presenting your news.
The aim of news is to inform, educate and entertain. The information in a news story should be objective and accurate, and it is usually better to interview expert sources than general public figures. This will enable you to get the facts straight from the horse’s mouth and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. It is also a good idea to look for news in various media outlets, as different journalists have a variety of viewpoints and styles. For example, a BBC journalist may write an article with a slightly more conservative view of the world than a US magazine columnist. Nevertheless, the most important thing is to keep your audience interested by providing them with interesting, relevant and up-to-date information.