News is a collection of information about current events and issues. It is generally presented on paper or digitally and broadcast over radio, television or the Internet. The main function of News is to keep the public informed about what is happening locally, nationally and internationally. It can also help them understand complex issues in a simple and accessible way.

There are a number of criteria that make a story newsworthy, the most important being newness, interest and significance. An event or situation must be unusual, interesting or significant enough to warrant being reported and it must have a direct impact on the lives of people.

A good news article will also be balanced and contain a range of different viewpoints on the subject. Finally, the news article must have a conclusion that is either a restatement of the leading statement or that suggests possible future developments. It is also important to check facts thoroughly before publishing. Whether you are writing an article professionally or for a school assignment it is crucial to get your facts correct, as mistakes can ruin the credibility of your work.

The media has the power to shape political and cultural narratives, but it must be fair, independent and accurate. It is essential to ask questions about the news you consume, whether it’s in print, on TV or online.

It is difficult to have completely unbiased news because reporters and editors have their own biases, but there are some sources that have built a reputation for being more trustworthy than others. These include ABC, CNN, the BBC and NPR. It’s also important to consider the context of the news you are reading, as certain topics tend to be more newsworthy than others.

A well-written news article will start with a strong lead statement that piques the reader’s interest and introduces the topic. It will then go on to provide more detail about the topic, including background information and quotes from experts. The news story will conclude with a summary of the key points and a call to action if appropriate.

Before an article is published journalists will usually run it by a colleague to ensure that it meets journalistic standards, such as objectivity and fairness. Objectivity refers to the idea that an article should not be influenced by the writer’s personal opinions or views, whilst fairness means that all sides of a story are given equal attention. This is particularly important in cases where the information being reported could be construed as controversial. For example, a story about a religious event or political scandal would be likely to be highly controversial. However, a report on an accident or disease would be less controversial.