News coverage is the process by which skilled people (such as journalists and news producers) assemble and present events for public consumption on media outlets such as newspapers, television, radio or online news platforms. This activity may be focused on specific events or issues, or it can focus on individuals and organizations.
News coverage can play a critical role in shaping opinions and influencing discourse on a wide range of issues. For example, during the civil rights movement, news coverage helped bring national attention to racial inequality and social justice issues.
Participants in our research consistently expressed a desire to receive news that is factual and up-to-date. They also cited a desire to learn about things that affect them personally, even when the information might be distressing. This personal relevance and importance was consistent across participants regardless of age, gender or education level.
Journalists often report on a broad array of topics, from political events to crime, business and sports, as well as opinion pieces (editorials or Op-Ed columns). They also cover local, regional, and international stories and events. While most journalists strive to be unbiased and fair, they do have points of view. These points of view are shaped by their political considerations, economic trends and social concerns. One way that these points of view influence news content is through framing – the creation of a context for a story. This can have a significant impact on readers, known as priming.