News coverage is the media’s reporting on recent events. It can be delivered through different communication channels such as newspapers, radio, television, and mobile devices. News articles can cover a wide variety of topics including war, politics, government, education, health, economics, and business, as well as more personal matters such as celebrity gossip, fashion trends, and sports.
News reporting can influence citizens’ perception of the world and their own actions in it. It is a powerful tool that can hold governments accountable, reach the masses with critical information, and open eyes to new perspectives. However, with the power of the media comes the potential for bias and misunderstanding of complex international issues such as war.
In addition, what is not covered in the news can also have significant impact. For example, after the 9/11 attacks, the public was exposed to months — years if you count the trial — of graphic coverage of smoke, blood-spattered streets, and visibly shaken victims. Researchers found that those who reported high levels of stress about the event were 53% more likely to have cardiovascular problems in the three years after it occurred compared with those who did not consume so much negative information.
A major reason businesses seek news coverage is to increase brand awareness. People trust brands that are associated with positive press and are more likely to buy products or services from them. This trust rubs off on the companies that earn media coverage as they grow in popularity.