News is information about events that affect people. It is delivered by a variety of sources including newspapers, television and the Internet. The information in the news is often based on research and factual evidence. The information may also be opinion or speculation. Whether the news is good or bad it can have a big impact on people. News can also be used to influence the public’s view of a person or event.

Many people have strong opinions about what constitutes news and how it should be presented. Many people also have a favorite source of news, such as the local newspaper, network news program or their hometown website. The news media has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, most people got their news from a few television channels and their daily paper. Now, the majority of people get their news from a wide range of online sources.

The word “News” comes from the Latin novem, meaning new things. News is something that happens recently and that is interesting. When deciding what to report, the gatekeepers of a news organization must consider its timeliness, drama, consequence and proximity.

Generally, the most important factor in determining what news to cover is that it affects many people. A news story about a local or national disaster that affects a lot of people is likely to be broadcast and printed in the newspaper or on TV. A stock market crash that wipes out the savings of a large number of people or a job loss in a community is also likely to make the news.

In addition to affecting a large number of people, a news story must be entertaining to be considered newsworthy. This can be done by showing a human interest, using a humorous or dramatic tone or by describing the situation in an unusual way.

It is often difficult to determine what will be considered important enough to be reported in the news, which has resulted in some confusion about what actually constitutes a news story. Some theories about what makes news include the Timeline Model, which argues that news should be based on reality and that timeliness is a critical factor. Other models are more political in nature, arguing that news should reflect the interests and pressures of various groups.

When deciding what to print or broadcast, the people who run a newspaper, radio or TV station must sift through the recommendations of reporters and assistant editors to decide what will be included in their publication. They are known as the gatekeepers of the news and are sometimes referred to as editors, news directors or even news managers. The decisions they make are often influenced by culture and society, as well as by their own professional and ethical standards. This is a complicated process that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. In addition to evaluating potential stories, the gatekeepers must weigh in the competing demands for space and airtime.