News coverage is the dissemination of events that occur in a society through media such as newspapers, magazines and radio. These outlets provide information about local and global issues, as well as politics. In the past, breaking news was limited to major national events such as presidential campaigns and speeches, wars or natural disasters. Today, the Internet and cable television allow people to immediately share and view news from a variety of sources.
The selection of the stories that are reported is influenced by models of news making. These models influence how the news is presented, and how the audience reacts to it. A story is more likely to be reported if it has a strong impact, includes violence and scandal, is familiar and local and if it is timely.
Breaking news is an important part of media, especially during times of crisis. Local and network news stations usually interrupt their regular programming during such times to inform the public about an event. These breaks can last a few minutes or continue for hours and days.
A number of studies have shown that negative news raises a person’s stress level, which can lead to health problems in the long run. For example, exposure to four or more hours of news about 9/11 increased heart rate in people even after factoring in their previous health status.
The use of polarizing words in the news can also create conflict and division. For example, when a journalist uses the word “occupation” to describe Israel’s relationship with Palestine, it may be taken as an endorsement of the views of a specific political group.