Often called international news or foreign coverage, world news is the branch of journalism that deals with events occurring outside of a country’s borders. This is an important area of journalism because it covers international conflicts and issues that can have a significant impact on the world economy, such as agreements between multilateral organizations.

A reporter based in a foreign city and covering a foreign nation or region is called a foreign correspondent. The foreign correspondent usually writes for several different news outlets and gathers information from local officials, community members and the news media. He or she also attends local events and witnesses firsthand global news developments.

The field of world news developed as newspapers were established in Europe and the United States in the 17th century. New innovations in telecommunications allowed newspaper editors to send stories to readers across the ocean and around the world. The development of news agencies, like Reuters (UK), AFP (France) and Avisa Relation oder Zeitung (Wolfenbuttel, Germany) in the 19th century enabled journalists to cover news from other countries more quickly. These news agencies prepared hard news stories and feature articles that were distributed to other news organizations, including newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations.