Whether it’s the release of a new album by a famous artist, a scientific breakthrough that can alter the course of humanity, or the biggest ever stock market crash, all of it is interesting information to someone, somewhere. When such information is reported as soon as it develops, it becomes news. Journalists investigate and communicate these events on different platforms for public consumption. The news helps the consumers be informed about current affairs.

Sources of news
With advancements in technology, there are several ways for organizations and reporters, as well as consumers, to learn about events around the world. The most relevant sources of news are radio (domestic and foreign stations), television, magazines, newspapers, press interviews, handouts, correspondents, hospitals, courts, and press notes, statements, and releases.

Types of news
Whether the news is reported in print media, online, or on television, it is can be categorized as either soft or hard news. When the coverage focuses on lighter topics, like entertainment and lifestyle, it is called soft news. The stories here are usually related to art, culture, and other human interest events. Sports, entertainment, and celebrity coverage are also examples of soft news. In contrast, hard news is when journalists report on topics that are serious, hard-hitting, and urgent. The coverage can develop as incident-based stories. Subjects like business, crime, education, health, and politics require real-time coverage and fact-based coverage.

Types of journalism
Journalism is the process of gathering, organizing, and distributing information. Journalists help deliver information that would be typically inaccessible to their audience. Over the years, the field has evolved and can be practiced in different ways. Based on the format, there are three common types of journalism—broadcast, print, and digital. Broadcast encompasses news that is delivered using electronic media, i.e., radio, television, or the internet. Print journalism concerns traditional forms of media like newspapers, magazines, and periodicals. Digital journalism reports news online in the form of website articles, blogs, or even social media. The coverage in any of the formats could focus on various topics, including entertainment, crime, and politics. Other common types of journalism include:

Political: Here, the coverage is related to the actions of the local and national government, the impact of policies on people, foreign policies, elections, political campaigns, and the actions of political figures, among other subjects.
Opinion: Here, the writer expresses their opinion rather than reporting objective events or data. Examples of opinion journalism are op-eds, editor’s letters, reviews, and advice columns in newspapers.
Sports: Sports-related coverage like stories on badminton, soccer, and basketball are reported by sports journalists. The reporter may cover matches—local, national, or international, discussions with players, analysis of their strategies, and profiles of coaches, teams, and individual players.
Entertainment: News on subjects like celebrity gossip, music, festivals, film, and award ceremonies are examples of entertainment journalism. An entertainment reporter is also tasked with profiling celebrities, musicians, and actors.
Investigative: The job of an investigative journalist is to disclose hidden facts about politics and public debate. This type of journalism also helps in exposing injustice and unfair practices by authorities.
Business: Coverage of daily trends and updates in the business sector is covered under this category. Business journalism covers a variety of topics, like economic policy, business mergers, technological advances, and the stock market.
Photojournalism: This is the use of pictures or visual elements to narrate stories. A photojournalist could report a volcano eruption or glacier melt and even warzones using photographs.
Watchdog journalism: The role of a watchdog journalist is to monitor the actions of select organizations that might be involved in illegal practices like corruption. If they find incriminating evidence, they report the findings to the public so that the organization can be held accountable.

Elements of good journalism
Accuracy: Journalists must ensure that their story is reliable and accurate. They must consider facts and avoid presumption. Journalists are responsible for reporting the truth, so they must set aside their personal beliefs and opinions and provide unbiased reports to the citizens.
Credibility: Reporters must ensure the stories they cover can be verified and is derived from credible sources. Information should be checked multiple times to ensure that the readers/viewers can trust that information.
Objectivity: The journalist should remain independent and eliminate all kinds of bias and external influences that can compromise their ability to provide an objective report.