World news is a term used to refer to the field of journalism covering global events, such as foreign affairs, international politics, international business, and international travel. It may also refer to a news segment on national television focused on world events. In the context of the media, it can be considered as a subfield of national or domestic news coverage, though the distinction is blurry when dealing with specific issues such as war coverage (which can become national for the media of belligerent countries themselves).
A reporter who specializes in world news, often called a foreign correspondent, typically has a permanent contract with a news organization and files articles regularly to that publication. Alternatively, reporters working abroad without a permanent contract may be hired to write freelance pieces that are sold to several different news outlets at once, a practice known as stringing. Major news agencies often prepare hard news and feature stories that are distributed to local and national newspapers, radio and television stations, and other organizations through their wire services, originally by telegraphy and later by electronic means.