News informs the public about current events, developments, and issues happening locally, nationally, and internationally. It also breaks down complex ideas and provides information in a simple manner that is easy to understand.

The most important function of news is to keep people informed about the world around them. This can be done through articles, videos, and broadcasts that cover a wide variety of topics. News is typically sourced from primary sources that are directly involved in the event being reported. This includes witnesses, experts, and ordinary citizens. The media can also play a role in promoting diversity by seeking out the perspectives of diverse groups that may be underrepresented or overlooked.

Things that make news are typically rare or uncommon, and have a significance beyond the personal experience of the individual involved. For example, a man walking to work or taking the bus does not usually make news, but a story about baby tigers that are being saved from poachers is.

News can also provide entertainment and leisure by featuring music, theatre, and cinema; and by reporting on popular hobbies such as sports, gardening, cooking, and travel. It can also serve as a watchdog by exposing wrongdoing and corruption. This can be done through investigative journalism, as well as by highlighting celebrities who engage in questionable behaviour. Finally, news can also be used as a tool for education by covering topics such as history, science, politics, culture, and religion.