News coverage occurs when skilled people put certain events together for public consumption on any medium (paper, television, radio or digital). It includes reporting and commentary on topics that are important to society. News coverage can be informed by political considerations, economic trends or social concerns. Journalists and other media professionals try to present news in an unbiased way, but they may have points of view which are expressed through editorials or Op-Ed columns.
Many participants say that it is important for their personal identities and values to be reflected in the news they read, watch or listen to. They also feel that the news should be accurate and up to date. However, these beliefs can conflict with the fact that people’s reactions to news coverage often reflect their individual perspectives and feelings at a particular moment.
For example, after the Boston Marathon bombing, many people were angry and sad and felt that the news was biased. But the same people are often happy to hear about achievements of their friends or relatives in sports or entertainment.
Increasingly, people are seeking a more balanced media diet which will include staying informed about critical issues while also consuming stories that highlight human ingenuity and compassion. Despite these challenges, many newspapers continue to prosper as they remain steadfast in their commitment to journalistic integrity and a tradition of excellence founded over 200 years ago. Many of them are relying on a combination of revenue sources including subscriptions, advertising and philanthropy. In addition, a growing number of wealthy individuals are stepping in to support local and national media through large scale buyouts like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos buying the Washington Post or Salesforce founder John Henry buying The Boston Globe.