World news is a specialization of journalism that covers global issues and events, particularly those outside the borders of the reporter’s home country. Often, these stories involve diplomatic developments or summits of multilateral organizations (often in which the country is a member). World news can also refer to the reporting on wars and other global conflicts, although in the United States it’s more commonly considered a subset of national news, rather than a separate category.
Generally speaking, reporters who focus on world news are referred to as “correspondents.” They usually have a permanent office in a foreign city and regularly file articles to the local newspaper or television station. Occasionally, these correspondents work on contract and produce material for several media outlets at once; in such cases they are known as stringers.
A major source of world news is the international press agencies (sometimes called wire services), which prepare hard and feature stories that can be sold in bulk to newspapers, radio and television broadcasters, and even individuals and intelligence agencies. The major news agencies also publish books, magazines and other periodicals.
NBC News Overnight and its successor, ABC World News Now, are notable examples of early overnight news programs that featured both serious and offbeat world news coverage. The latter show was also notable for its quirky features, such as a musical segment that featured local jazz bands and an occasional trivia question flashed on-screen after the commercial break. On Friday mornings, the show would close with some version of the “World News Polka” — played on accordion by comedian Barry Mitchell — while the production credits were scrolled.
About the Author
