Political news is the information about political events, elections, candidates, parties, public policy and government. It can be found on TV, radio and print media, and also in blogs and websites. It is considered an important part of journalism since it helps citizens to understand the world around them and make decisions about their lives, society, environment and politics. Theories modeling the role of the mass media in politics generally postulate that political news serves specific political functions for the adaptation, integration and operation of a democratic system. They include: recording the day’s events, reflecting public opinion, acting as a watchdog to disclose political misbehavior, facilitating public discourse and encouraging citizen participation in democratic institutions. According to most people, political news functions are best performed under conditions of free press, including freedom from censorship, the availability of a plurality of sources and information, and open access to the media for all citizens.
Regardless of political leanings, people are interested in learning more about their government and the issues that affect them. This has led to an explosion of new media outlets offering instant, up-to-the-minute political news and commentary. The Internet has also changed the way people interact with their governments and one another, resulting in a major shift in political communication.
Writers seeking to explore their passion for politics can find a wide variety of publication opportunities, including online and print magazines, blogs and academic journals. Some prefer to cover current events, while others take a historical or theoretical approach to the subject.