News is a written or broadcast account of current events. It may be delivered in a variety of media – print, radio, television or online. It is usually short and to the point, and includes many of the basic facts of an event. It is often punctuated using Associated Press style guidelines, and is usually accompanied by a byline (name of the writer).

News can be categorized according to its subject matter, significance, impact, magnitude or surprise. It can also be categorized by its source and audience relevance.

For example, an insect that is destroying crops will be a significant news story because it affects the people who grow food and provide jobs, even if only a small percentage of the population will be affected. Conversely, a political crisis in a distant land may have little immediate effect on most people’s lives, but will be very important to the politicians involved and their supporters.

Many news stories are based on human interest, and people are fascinated by famous people, the lifestyles they lead and their achievements. This is particularly true of sports stars and other celebrities. People are also interested in stories of conflict, whether it is a battle for power, a political scandal or an insurrection.

In a democracy, news is the medium through which people express their opinions about what is going on in their country and the world. This is why there are so many different views and opinions on what constitutes a news story and how it should be presented.

Journalists use a combination of criteria to decide what makes good news and how it should be prioritized. These include: Magnitude (a story that is deemed to be of great importance), Impact (a story that could change the lives of many people) and Surprise (a story that has an element of drama or contrast).

One way to become familiar with the news media landscape is to ask people you respect where and how they consume their news. This can give you an idea of what types of sources are most trusted, and will help to narrow your search for the best news outlets for your specific interests. However, it is important to keep in mind that even a single news source can have bias, and you should try to avoid sources with extreme points of view. Instead, reading a few different news sources can provide you with more comprehensive views of the world and help to prevent you from becoming trapped in an ideological bubble.