Journalism is the gathering, writing, and editing of material for news sources, such as newspapers and television. Journalism is one of the most important professions. It informs citizens about events in their community, their nation, and the world. The reports of journalists also help people form opinions about current affairs. Journalists inform the public through several means of communication, especially newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. These means of communication are often referred to as the press or the news media. Additionally, many journalists report news on the Internet.
Every day, journalists throughout the world gather, write, and edit material for thousands of news stories. Local reporters cover school board meetings, fires, sports events, and other local stories. National journalists report on the country's leaders. Foreign correspondents cover international news.
In democratic societies, people depend on the news media for the fair and truthful reporting of current events. Free nations grant the press freedom to report news and opinions without government interference. Freedom of the press encourages the exchange of ideas among citizens, which is essential for a democracy to work. In government-controlled societies, however, the news media presents chiefly news that supports the policies of the government.
