Types of News
News is a form of information and commentary about recent events that can be delivered to audiences through various media. Some of the most common types of news are televised, newspaper, radio, or social networking. News can be about a large event, like a presidential election, or a small one, such as a sports game or a local concert. The main purpose of news is to keep people informed and up to date.
One of the oldest forms of news was government proclamations. Eventually, printing presses were developed, which enabled newspapers to be printed and distributed. As technology improved, news spread faster and farther. In the 20th century, television and radio became important transmission devices. Newspapers, meanwhile, began placing hard news stories at the top of their pages, requiring less time and effort from their readers.
Another interesting news phenomenon is the spread of social media. Today, more than half of Americans receive at least one piece of news every day. Social networking sites are an increasingly important part of America’s news diet. For example, Facebook boasts the largest number of users of all social networking sites. Using the internet for news can be a smart move, especially during times of government crackdowns. However, the plethora of options can also be daunting.
Aside from news, there are numerous other types of information that are available to consumers. This includes financial news, entertainment news, sports news, and news about the government. Generally, newspapers and TV networks are expected to remain neutral in their coverage of politics and public affairs. But the lines between for-profit and non-profit media are a lot fuzzier these days, thanks to cooperation and a range of “pro-am” relationships. Whether it’s a celebrity or political scandal, people will find a way to get their news.
For instance, in the United States, Facebook and Twitter are the biggest social media platforms, but there are many others that are worth checking out. New social media tools have also spawned new types of automated and semi-automated news gathering. With the advent of mobile devices, the boundaries between professionals and amateurs have been blurred, making the small print a bit more challenging. Interestingly, this has led to the development of the “fake news” and the proliferation of the viral news model, where a user’s e-mail address becomes the basis of a mass e-mail message.
On the topic of the best way to get a good scoop, a recent study conducted by Pew Research found that one of the most effective ways to gather news is through social media. Various models of news gathering are being explored, including automated news aggregation and citizen journalism. Regardless of the approach, the newest trend is to produce news that is aimed at the social sphere, not just the news desk.
A side-by-side comparison of newspaper, social network, and radio coverage shows that while newspaper coverage remains the most ubiquitous, social media is the most influential when it comes to news, particularly in the era of instant news.