World news is the term that is used to refer to the global events that make the front pages of newspapers and television programs around the world. Unlike local news, which focuses on events occurring in a region close to the home base of the journalist or the broadcaster, world news covers a wide range of issues, including international conflicts and peace initiatives, economics, science, culture, politics and other global happenings. World news is often viewed as more important than local news because the actions of countries, nations and other global bodies impact all of us in our daily lives.

Israel continued to pound Gaza as the war drew into its second week, with the United States pressing for a ceasefire. Palestinians were bracing for a ground invasion, while doctors struggled to keep hospitals running under the most trying conditions. A mother and daughter from Illinois, Judith and Natalie Raanan, were kidnapped by Hamas in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development series provides a macro-level perspective that can inform UNESCO Member States, international organizations, civil society groups, academia, and individuals seeking to understand the changing landscape in which free and independent journalism operates. This discussion paper, a precursor to the 2021/2022 Global Report on the state of media freedom, highlights key trends and challenges facing independent journalism globally. The full Global Report is available in several languages.