News is information about events in the past, present or future. It can be delivered through a variety of communication media, such as word of mouth, printing, postal systems, radio, television and the internet.
The news may be local, national or world wide and should be aimed at the general public. It should be able to capture their attention in the first few paragraphs and give them the facts they need quickly.
Weather: The weather affects people’s daily lives and can be interesting when it behaves unusually, with exceptionally high or low temperatures, or exceptionally high or low rainfall. It can also be interesting when it changes for good or bad, bringing relief or distress to the affected person.
Food and drink: The rich person plans feasts, the poor one wants enough to eat and drink – this is all newsworthy, as are crop diseases and harvest sizes, prices of food in the market or the launch of a new brand of beer.
Famous people: Prominent men and women make their way into the public eye and are often of interest to readers. The lives they lead, their achievements and scandals make them newsworthy.
Health: People want to know how to look after themselves and what can be done to improve their health. Stories about traditional remedies, drugs, diet and exercise, hospital and clinics and medical research are all newsworthy.
Sex: All societies are interested in sex, and stories about men’s and women’s sexual behaviour make up a large part of the news.