World news is the term used in journalism for the reporting of international events. This field of news coverage may include a wide range of topics, such as political developments within a country, war reporting or summits of multilateral organizations. Historically, world news has been a specialized form of national news, particularly in the case of major wars and conflicts between belligerent nations. This distinction has been blurred in recent decades by the increasing globalization of the world economy and emergence of multinational organizations, such as the European Union and the United Nations.
A reporter covering world news usually specializes in one or more of these areas. Generally, these reporters are based in a foreign city and file stories regularly to the news editor of their media outlet. They often collect materials for their reports from sources in the community, including government officials and local citizens. In some cases, reporters who are specialized in world news are also called correspondents.
The show’s format is a mix of serious and offbeat news items. In a tradition originating from the original rival program, NBC News Overnight, World News Now occasionally includes kooky features such as an accordion playing the “World News Polka” on Wednesdays and video footage of a tame camel on “Hump Day.”
The program has been a training ground for many of ABC’s newer news presenters who go on to higher profile jobs with the network or its local affiliates. On occasion, the show will also air rebroadcasts of a story package from an earlier edition of Nightline or ABC World News Tonight.