Best definition of news
The best definition of news is a topic of ongoing debate among journalists, scholars, and philosophers. Here are a few definitions that are widely accepted:
- The Associated Press (AP) definition: "News is a report of a significant event, such as a crime, accident, or natural disaster, that is of public interest and concern."
- The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) definition: "News is a report of a significant event, issue, or trend that is of public interest and concern, and is presented in a fair, accurate, and unbiased manner."
- The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) definition: "News is information about recent events, especially those of public interest, that is reported in the media."
- The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition: "News is information about recent events, especially those of public interest, that is reported in the media."
- The concept of "news" as defined by Walter Lippmann: "News is what a newspaperman thinks is news, and news is what a newspaperman thinks the public wants to know."
These definitions all share some common elements, such as:
- Significance: News is typically about significant events, issues, or trends that have an impact on society.
- Public interest: News is of public interest and concern, meaning that it affects or is relevant to a wide audience.
- Information: News is a report of information about recent events, issues, or trends.
- Media: News is typically reported and disseminated through the media, such as newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms.
Ultimately, the best definition of news may depend on one's perspective and context.