World News is a branch of journalism that covers news either sent by foreign correspondents or news agencies, or gathered or researched through distance communication technologies like telephone, satellite TV or the Internet.
Historically, newspapers and other news sources brought international news to their home audiences, but this became easier as telecommunications made it possible for reporters to send their stories abroad without physically leaving the country. Today, reputable international publications deliver the latest global news to their subscribers from anywhere in the world, including America.
Many top newspapers maintain print and distribution centers on different continents, allowing them to serve readers around the globe. They also frequently hire full-time correspondents and special envoys who cover events abroad, filing articles back to the newspaper headquarters in their home countries for editorial review.
These journalists use their connections to local officials, members of the community and other key sources on the ground to gather information for their stories. They also have regular contact with other correspondents and journalists in the area who provide supplementary material and can help identify strategic sources.
For example, an AP reporter might work closely with a Reuters correspondent who may be sending hard news reports from war zones. The AP might purchase these hard news articles for its own publications, while Reuters is a major supplier of foreign news to the media in the United States and other nations.
Increasingly, Americans are less trusting of their government institutions and their news sources, a situation that has led to a growing level of political polarization. The result is that fewer people are inclined to take the time to understand and accept differing viewpoints.
However, reading a diverse range of perspectives can lead to greater cultural competence, as well as an appreciation for the nuances of international cultures and differences between them. Moreover, when readers are able to see the impact of their actions on an international scale, they become more engaged in global issues and are better equipped to navigate them with a nuanced sensibility.
In our globally connected world, political, social or economic changes in one country often have a ripple effect on others. Understanding the repercussions of these ripple effects can help you make more informed decisions, as well as build the skills needed to negotiate across differences.