News is information about current events. It may be delivered verbally, written or recorded on various media such as newspapers, magazines, radio or television. The news may include a variety of topics including weather, crime, politics, sports and culture. News is not necessarily objective; opinions and bias may be inserted. In writing a news story, the author must carefully research his/her topic to ensure all facts are correct. He/she must also clearly indicate where the information came from – such as an interview, court documents, the Census or a Web site.

A story is considered to be newsworthy if it is new, unusual, interesting, significant or about people. A man waking up, eating breakfast and catching the bus to work does not make news, however, if the same man were to be caught red-handed stealing thousands of dollars it could be newsworthy.

News stories are not intended to entertain but to inform and educate readers, listeners or viewers. However, there are other areas within a newspaper or on a radio or TV station that can provide entertainment such as drama and comedy programs or crosswords or cartoons.