News coverage is the process of reporting and presenting information about events, issues, and topics through a variety of media outlets. This includes newspapers, tv programs, and online news sources. News coverage can be influential in shaping people’s opinions and perspectives, particularly during times of significant social change or unrest.
News reporters often gather and compose their stories using a variety of materials including interviews, photographs, video footage, and other data from the field. They may then submit these materials electronically for radio and television broadcast, or write the story in their office based on their field notes. Some journalists also interpret and analyze the news, offering opinions and analysis to readers, viewers, or listeners – this type of work is called commentary or columnists.
Framing is a technique used by journalists to shape the way that an issue is presented in news stories. For example, when discussing a crisis like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, it is common for the media to emphasize the deaths of those who were infected and focus on the risk to public health. This may create an overall perception that the problem is severe and dangerous, and that the response to it must be immediate.
During the civil rights movement, news coverage was instrumental in raising awareness about injustices faced by African Americans. Televised images of peaceful protests being met with violent responses helped to shift public opinion, leading to increased support for civil rights initiatives.