News is information about events that happen and are of interest to people. It is written and read in order to inform, educate and entertain. It is about things that are happening now or in the past, about people, places, things and ideas. News articles can be written for many different forums, including newspapers, radio, television, magazines and online.

A good news article begins with a title that captures the reader’s attention and gives a brief overview of what the story is about. It is followed by the key elements of a news story, such as what happened, when it occurred, who was involved and why it is important. The article then concludes with a byline, which is the name of the person who wrote it.

Historically, people have transported new information about events by word of mouth, but technological developments such as print media and later radio and television enabled rapid dissemination. Today, the internet and mobile phones have also increased the speed and volume of new information.

The content of news stories varies across societies, but some general patterns can be identified. People are interested in things which have a strong impact, incorporate violence or scandal and involve people they know. Stories about nature also make the news, especially when they affect the environment or threaten human life, for example a cyclone, flood, fire, drought or volcanic eruption.

In addition, most societies are interested in celebrities and their lives, particularly if they are of public interest or have an impact on the wider society. These include prominent politicians, actors, athletes and religious figures. People are also interested in health and are curious about traditional remedies, medical research, hospitals and clinics, diseases and healthy lifestyles. Similarly, all societies are interested in sex although they may not talk openly about it and the news often covers sex scandals or stories which go against society’s generally accepted moral code.

If an event is significant enough to warrant a newspaper article it will be selected by journalists, who will decide whether it is newsworthy and, if so, how much detail should be included. The most important details will be given first, above the fold (the crease in a newspaper) and other less important information will be published later. This is because most readers will not read an entire article, so the best news needs to be visible as quickly as possible.

A good journalist will be able to write well, quickly and clearly. They will avoid using emotive language and they will not try to manipulate the reader by putting their own opinion into the news story. They will also be unbiased and provide enough information so that the reader can form their own opinion, even if it differs from their own. A successful journalist will also be able to keep up with the latest technology and be able to find and use sources who can provide them with the facts about their topic.