National news involves reports about events that affect a whole nation, such as wars or political crises. It also includes reports about government and economic policies that have a significant impact on citizens across the country. National newspapers often cover these types of issues because they have the resources and reach to influence a broad audience, while local news outlets focus on community-specific stories.
Historically, new information was passed from town to town via word of mouth or through written media such as letters and postcards, or via radio and television broadcasts. During the 19th century, technological advances such as faster printing presses and the telegraph helped news to spread much more quickly. This led to the emergence of national newspapers and other types of news organizations such as radio, television, and the Internet.
Many people rely on these sources to be aware of what is going on in their country and in the world around them. National news can include world events as well as national events such as elections and major sporting events. News that is national in scope may focus on a variety of subjects including the economy, health, education, and politics. It can also cover government policy and international relations.
Some of these sources are privately owned, such as CNN and Fox News, but others are state-owned such as the state-run China Central Television and Iran’s Press TV (which is branded as RT). A number of these networks have global reach.