News is the “pool” of reports prepared by several sources to inform the public. Examples: news, traffic, latest news, climate change, sports, etc. A news article is a news report prepared for the general public. A news story is any news report prepared by at least one source. There are many news agencies available today, but they cannot be relied upon to deliver fast and accurate news.
Journalists play a key role in our society. Their craft and professional values reflect values of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, timeliness, credibility, and the free press. Today, journalists face increasing challenges in their craft due to social media, constant changes in technology, and the proliferation of blogs, websites, and mobile applications. Many journalists have adapted to changing digital business models that are now easier to do than in earlier days. Some still practice the traditional model to some extent, while others are now focusing more on freelance and Internet-based work. The challenge for newsroom professionals is to keep up with new demands and continue to be credible while doing it.
In newsrooms, the profession represents a diversity of experiences and styles. Newsroom employees range from copy editors and reporters to news readers and designers. Within published newsrooms, there can be News Editor, Headlines Editor, Marketplaces Editor, Head Writers, Market Research Professionals, and Sports Editors. Within published journalism, there can be freelancers, part-timers, and established reporters.
As the profession has grown, the diversity of experience among employees has also increased. Online journalists have become an important force in the profession. They cover stories based entirely from the point of view of the journalist’s computer and online social media accounts. They must use multiple media to get a complete and truthful story across. They can be called “on the beat” journalists because they make their own deadlines, often working around the clock.
There are other types of online news that are just as strong in the world of journalism. Blogs have taken on a new role recently. These websites have allowed journalists to write posts that are shared throughout the internet, with the ability for others to read these posts and share them as well. This type of online news provides interesting and sometimes unique takes on recent events.
These are just four of many types of online news that are emerging and thriving in the field of journalism. The field of news has undergone a sea change, with much of it still uncertain. It will be interesting to see where this industry goes over the next few years. It has already shown signs of stability in some areas, such as smartphones and wearables.
