A Definition of News: What is News?

 Well, in most people's minds, news is simply information. It educates them about the world they live in, and how to respond to it. But isn't that an immensely broad definition? Can't that lead to confusion, especially when you are a journalist, about what you should actually be listening to or sharing? Whatever news is, it's definition needs to be narrowed down.

  The origin of the word news sheds some light on this definition. It stems from English, French, Latin words, such as new, novelty, and new things. Basically, news is spreading the word about new things, events, ideas, discoveries, etc. to everyone. News is really new information, not just information period.

 "News reports don't change the world. Only facts change it, and those have already happened when we get the news." Friedrich Durrenmatt, a Swiss author wrote. This further shows what news is, or at least should be. We are hounded, continually, on all sides with pointless nonsense, which is simply gossip most of the time. But there must be a stark difference between that and news. News must proclaim facts and truth to the world, not be the "...industrialization of gossip." (Andrew Marr) News should never stoop to dabble in that kind of communication. Unfortunately, we still need some reforms in this area. We have plenty of new information, but it is not always the case in news and journalism that it is factual, truthful information.

  It may yet be a broad definition, but news is clearly and simply, new information about facts which the world -which we- should know. It is what you hear, or watch, or learn from friends and family, or read that informs you. "Well, news is anything that's interesting, that relates to what's happening in the world, what's happening in areas of the culture that would be of interest to your audience."
Kurt Loder, an American journalist, put it. It is something that challenges you to think, too. News must spread knowledge, honesty, prudence, and truth wherever it goes. In other words, if we are sharing news, and not burdening people with gossip or nonsense, then we are sharing truth, everyday, to the best of our knowledge. That is a powerful gift to give! So be gracious, but do not be silent!