News is information about current events. It may be delivered verbally or in writing, through word of mouth or through various media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet. Regardless of the medium used, the aim is to inform the public about events that occur in their immediate surroundings and environment. The content of news varies according to the importance given to different events in each society. A story about a war, for instance, will be of much greater interest to the masses than a report on an insect infestation in a cabbage patch.
A story must contain the elements of what, when, where, who and why to be considered newsworthy. It must also be fresh, interesting and informative. People want to read about things that have happened recently and which are significant. Controversy and conflict make interesting news, as do arguments, charges and counter-charges. People are interested in the lives of prominent persons and in their personal problems.
People are interested in money-related news, such as business deals and mergers, robberies, accidents and insurance claims. The weather is of interest as it affects our daily routine; crop diseases and harvest sizes are important for those who are poor; and new products such as a computer, TV or car attract the attention of the masses. In-depth news articles are usually long and involve extensive research. It is important to focus on the relevant information and cut out tangents, otherwise readers will turn away from reading your story.