National news is the branch of journalism that focuses on events, issues and developments that affect a country as a whole. This includes politics, economics and major disasters, but also international stories with a local impact. Traditionally, national newspapers have played a significant role in shaping public opinion and the political discourse in their countries due to their wide reach. However, they are currently facing a number of challenges related to digital transformation and the decline in print circulation.
Historically, the term “national news” has meant any story that concerns a country as a whole. In modern times, however, the distinction between local and national news has become blurrier. This is especially true with the rise of social media, which allows news from anywhere to be shared in seconds and reach a global audience virtually instantaneously. This trend has impacted the traditional hierarchy of news priorities and how stories are selected for coverage.
The most important thing to keep in mind when thinking about national news is the difference between local and network news. Unlike a local station, which is typically run by a single person, national news is a large business that employs many people to produce a range of different programs. Moreover, the news outlets themselves have different business models and goals. For example, CNN is focused on attracting as many eyeballs as possible in primetime with the addition of The Will Cain Show, while Fox News focuses on retaining viewers throughout the day with its rejigged weekday and weekend lineups.