News is any information that is new, interesting or significant. It can be communicated through a number of media, including radio, television and newspapers. It can also be conveyed by word of mouth or through social networking websites. News stories can cover a wide range of topics, from major international events to local community issues. It is often a mixture of fact and opinion, although the latter tends to be less prominent than the former.

The term news dates back to the 14th century, when it literally meant “new things.” People have been sharing information about new developments since ancient times, through oral storytelling and later written communication. With technological advancements, the speed and scale of dissemination has increased significantly.

To be considered newsworthy, a story must have at least five elements: it should be unusual, interesting, significant and about people. It must be recent; a story about something that happened a week ago has little interest, as the community has moved on to other subjects. It must be authentic; a journalist cannot simply write the same press release as the official version, and they must interview sources for quotes to use in their articles. It must be unbiased; the writer must avoid indulging in their personal opinions, instead allowing the facts of the story to speak for themselves.

It is important to keep in mind that the concept of newsworthiness is subjective, and can vary from one society to another. For example, a coup d’etat in the country next door might have a higher news value than a similar event in your own country, depending on how much each of these countries are connected.

Aside from these general criteria, a news story can be further defined by its subject matter and the audience it is intended for. People are interested in news that impacts them personally, for example, a traffic accident, crime or fire near their home. They are also interested in the lives of famous people, such as athletes, actors and politicians; their achievements and failures are newsworthy. Finally, sex can be a fascinating subject for news stories, particularly when it breaks outside of society’s generally accepted standards.