The term news has various meanings for different people. For example, a peasant farmer’s comments about bugs may not be newsworthy. On the other hand, an archbishop’s remarks are newsworthy because they help shape Church policy. These examples illustrate the difference between news and general interest. Read on to discover more about the various types of news.
Crime and money make news
Crimes that involve money tend to make the news more often than those that don’t. This is because people are more interested in high-profile crimes than ordinary robberies. Even simple thefts can make the news, particularly if the thief has a high-profile reputation. Also, fraud cases involving public figures can attract more attention than the typical theft.
The news is made up of many different types of stories. Some stories focus on the personal lives of individuals and other topics such as the politics of a country. These stories are known as “human interest stories” and can influence public opinion. Some stories may even set the agenda of a particular news organization. Other news stories revolve around crimes involving money, such as the theft of a public figure.
Unusual insect discovery is not of general interest
A recent study in western Uganda reveals a new species of leafhopper. Known as Phlogis kibalensis, the insect is a unique addition to the insect kingdom. It has a metallic sheen, pitted body, and distinctively shaped male reproductive organs. While this insect is not of general interest, it does hold a few scientific implications.
Politicians are always in the news
Politicians are constantly in the news, even when they’re not doing anything important. While this disruption may be frustrating, it can also be beneficial for the politicians themselves. Storms, for example, can divert attention from other news and turn heads, while political rallies and pet projects can draw attention away from important policy debates.
The rise of new media has dramatically changed the media landscape. While legacy news organizations continue to produce serious investigative reporting, mainstream journalists are increasingly relying on content from new sources. News content on social media, for example, is rapidly and easily spread without any third-party filtering or fact-checking. Because of this, even individuals without a formal journalism background can reach a large audience at lightning speed. As these messages spread across multiple news platforms and personal social networking accounts, their impact increases exponentially.
Journalism is a first rough draft of history
The Washington Post publisher Philip Graham popularized the term “journalism as a first rough draft of history.” This description captures the challenge journalists face in providing a balanced, accurate account of an event. They also try to offer a broader context and understanding. This is especially important in times of crisis.
As a writer, you need to think carefully about what you say. Even in a first draft, you must capture many aspects of the story. The majority of stories have two sides.