News is a timely account of interesting, important and significant events, developments or facts. There are several factors that determine whether something is newsworthy, such as timeliness, the impact of the event or development and its significance for a community, country or the world.
Generally speaking, it is inappropriate for the author to inject their opinion into a piece of news. This is particularly true for journalism, which should be unbiased and factual. Exceptions can be made, however, if the subject of the article invites commentary. For example, a company releasing information about its new product line would be a great candidate for an in-depth news feature article.
There are many sources for news, including aggregation websites like Google News and international news agencies such as the BBC. It is also a good idea to follow outlets that provide multiple perspectives on an issue – those that take the time to thoughtfully explain an event or topic and consider all sides. Examples of this are VOX, Refinery29, the Skimm and Flare’s Explainer series.
News is often influenced by the current political climate and can be skewed or biased. This is especially true during election season, so it is important to check multiple sources and think critically about what you read and share. It is also a good idea to be skeptical of sensational headlines and avoid articles that are overly emotional or reactionary. Also be sure to keep an eye out for ad revenue and sponsorship in news articles, as this can influence content.