World news is an umbrella term for a type of journalism that covers news from the whole world. This is a subset of journalism that is often associated with war reporting. The news is usually provided through several different media, and the term “hard” or “soft” is sometimes used to distinguish between the two.
Some countries are recognized for their specialized news services. For example, Russia Today (RT) is a news service that is owned by the Russian government, and Iran’s Press TV has a multi-platform presence. Likewise, the US has two major news agencies: AP and Reuters.
However, the boundaries of journalism have blurred, with new forms of reporting emerging. In addition, the internet is playing an increasingly important role. It has become a source of information during government crackdowns, as well as a means of spreading information. Similarly, social networking sites have created new opportunities for automated news gathering.
Traditionally, a newspaper reporter would go to a foreign city and collect materials for a story. These stories were then brought to a newsroom and typed. Later, news organizations began to provide articles in bulk electronically through wire services. Initially, this was done through telegraphy, but by the 20th century, radio and television were key mediums of news transmission.
Since the beginning of the 19th century, newspapers have been established in many countries. Newspapers often place their hard news stories on the first page of the magazine. Usually, they also include links to local radio and television stations. The layout of a newspaper makes it easier for a busy reader to scan through the information.
As technology and the Internet have developed, news has also been sent across the globe at a greater pace. News is now delivered immediately on mobile phones, and television stations can broadcast news 24 hours a day. Even radio stations have started to offer breaking news, as do cable news channels.
Historically, the distinction between world news and national news has been blurred. During World War II, for instance, the United States considered wars that it was involved in as national news. On the other hand, news about a summit of a multilateral organization in which the U.S. was a member is considered a national news story.
The boundary between commercial news organizations and newsrooms has also become less clear. A number of newsrooms have begun performing news gathering on social media platforms. There are also a variety of “pro-am” relationships that have emerged.
The news that is most frequently referred to as world news is war reporting. During a war, a special envoy is sent to cover the subject. Another common topic for news reports is a scandal or violence. Typically, a story will include the time and location of an event. Stories that are timely will receive more coverage.
While the lines between newsroom and business office have blurred, there are still professional norms that define newsmaking. The Mirror Model outlines that a story should be accurate, unbiased, and reflect reality. Similarly, the Organizational Model focuses on applying pressure to governmental processes.