Sources of news in journalism
In journalism, sources of news can be categorized into several types, including:
- Primary sources: These are original documents, records, or statements that provide firsthand information about a news story. Examples include:
- Government reports and statistics
- Court documents and transcripts
- Interviews with individuals directly involved in the story
- Original research and data
- Secondary sources: These are reports, articles, or analyses that summarize or interpret primary sources. Examples include:
- News articles and editorials
- Research papers and academic studies
- Government press releases and statements
- Online news aggregators and wire services
- Tertiary sources: These are summaries or compilations of secondary sources. Examples include:
- News summaries and digests
- Online news aggregators and wire services
- News databases and archives
- Human sources: These are individuals who provide information, insights, or perspectives on a news story. Examples include:
- Experts and authorities in a particular field
- Witnesses to an event or incident
- Government officials and policymakers
- Ordinary people affected by a news story
- Organizational sources: These are institutions, organizations, or companies that provide information or context about a news story. Examples include:
- Government agencies and departments
- Non-profit organizations and advocacy groups
- Businesses and corporations
- Educational institutions and research centers
- Digital sources: These are online platforms, databases, and tools that provide news and information. Examples include:
- Online news websites and blogs
- Social media platforms and online forums
- Online databases and archives
- News aggregators and wire services
- Audio and video sources: These are recordings, broadcasts, or streaming media that provide news and information. Examples include:
- Podcasts and online radio shows
- Television news programs and broadcasts
- Online video platforms and streaming services
- Audio and video recordings of events and interviews
- Government sources: These are official government documents, reports, and statements that provide information about a news story. Examples include:
- Government reports and statistics
- Congressional testimony and hearings
- Executive branch statements and press releases
- Government databases and archives
- International sources: These are news and information from outside the journalist's country or region. Examples include:
- International news agencies and wire services
- Foreign government sources and reports
- International organizations and institutions
- Online news sources from other countries and regions
- Historical sources: These are documents, records, and archives that provide context and background information about a news story. Examples include:
- Historical documents and records
- Archives and libraries
- Oral histories and interviews
- Historical research and analysis
Journalists often use a combination of these sources to gather information and verify facts about a news story.