What Is World News?

world news

World news, sometimes called international news, is the branch of journalism that deals with world affairs. Historically, it was distinguished from “national news” which dealt with events within the boundaries of nation-states (although some journalists may blur the distinction). World news has become an established specialization for most major newspaper organizations, as well as for international news agencies.

A foreign correspondent is a full-time reporter for a major newspaper or news agency, who covers a region, country or even an entire continent. They often have exclusive access to government sources, local officials and members of the community they are covering, as well as to information provided by local media. Correspondents regularly file stories to their news editor, often using their own observations and interviews as a basis for their reports.

While much of the news we hear and read focuses on conflict and controversy, remarkable things are taking place all over the globe that deserve a spotlight. This week we scoured the archives for some of our favorite images of environmental comebacks, scientific breakthroughs and global efforts that fly under the radar. We hope they inspire you to go out and make a difference in the world.