World news is news pertaining to events occurring outside of one’s own region. It may also refer to the news section of a newspaper or to the international coverage provided by television and radio networks. News is usually gathered and reported by a correspondent, who may be a journalist who has a permanent position at a media outlet or a person who freelances for several different outlets. Correspondents often work in foreign cities, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “stringers.”
The news industry is usually divided into two categories: the specialized and the generalist. A specialized news agency will focus on one specific area, such as politics, business, science, sports or health. A generalist news agency, on the other hand, will cover a variety of topics.
A common example of a generalist news agency is the national or international wire service, which provides reports for newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. Typically, these agencies are staffed by journalists with expertise in various areas of interest. In the case of a wire service, the reporters are also usually trained as editors.
The tabloid Weekly World News is well-known for its outrageously fictitious news stories. In addition to stories about the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot and time travel, WWN featured articles claiming that mermen inhabited the oceans, that Jesus will return to Earth soon, and that the founders of the U.S. were gay. The magazine also reported that Elvis was still alive, and included obviously altered photos of him walking out of a movie theater and visiting a Burger King.