News is information about current events that catches the attention of people. It is a type of communication that can be conveyed through any medium – written or verbal, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet. The purpose of news is to educate, inform and entertain readers, listeners or viewers. The information in a news story may be either factual or fictional. In addition to being a source of information, news is also a tool for social change and activism.

It’s important to understand that not all news stories are created equal. There are certain characteristics that all news articles must have in order to be considered worthy of being viewed, read or heard by the public. These characteristics include timeliness, drama, consequence and proximity.

The word news is a Latin word meaning “new things,” and that’s exactly what it’s meant to do: tell us something new. The term news has been in use since ancient times, when it was first used to describe government proclamations regarding royal ceremonies, laws, taxes and public health issues. However, in modern times, the development of radio and television technology – as well as the growth of social media networks – has greatly increased the speed and ease at which news can spread.

News articles are often the source of conflict, controversy and curiosity. They are a way for citizens to express their feelings and concerns about world events, as well as an opportunity for businesses to promote themselves. There are many different types of news, including local, national and international. Local news often includes weather reports, crime, traffic updates and community events. National and international news typically centers on political events, natural disasters, wars and other major global incidents.

People are interested in news because of its relevance to their lives. In the past, this meant trans-atlantic radio phone talks arranged by commercial telephone companies; in today’s era, it could be Henry Ford’s epoch-making cars or a new invention that will make life easier for people around the world.

In general, news is more interesting to people if it has a dramatic element. For example, a celebrity’s death is likely to receive more coverage than their engagement or marriage. People are also interested in controversies and other events that involve arguments, charges or fights. People are also naturally curious about famous people and their daily lives.

Keeping up with the latest news can be time-consuming. To avoid getting overwhelmed by the amount of information that’s out there, it’s important to find a news source that works with your lifestyle and learning style. If you want to keep up with the latest headlines but don’t have time to sift through websites and social media feeds, sign up for an email newsletter like The Skimm or subscribe to a podcast such as Now This News or VOX. If you prefer visual learning, try an outlet that focuses on explainer pieces such as Refinery29 or Flare’s Explainer series.