News is an important part of our daily lives. It keeps us informed about events, such as wars, earthquakes, and weather. Similarly, it informs us about people. For example, we get to know about famous people, who sometimes fall from power or are involved in scandals. We also get to hear about health stories, which can include traditional cures, new medications, and medical research. The news can also include the latest news about food, diet, and the arts.
The genres of news vary, and each has its own characteristics. Entertainment stories, for example, may deal with human interest or animals. They often feature amusing photos and witty headlines. Other types of news include surprise and contrast stories. The former are typically more dramatic, while the latter are often more neutral. Bad news, on the other hand, usually has negative overtones.
The purpose of news media is to inform, educate, and entertain. Its content will vary, depending on the society. Those living in dog-eating societies are unlikely to be interested in hearing about a dog biting a man. Similarly, news stories may contain satire or humour. In either case, the news should be entertaining and informative.
The determinants of the quality of news are the context, how news is reported, and the audience’s reaction to it. Professional newsmakers can put together a story for a specific audience. Then, they can assess its impact on readers.