World news is a broad topic that covers events that occur outside of one’s own country or region. It includes stories about foreign countries, foreign leaders and other political figures, and foreign military campaigns and conflict. It also includes events involving international organizations and multinational corporations. World news may also include coverage of current international conflict and peace initiatives, including international conferences and summits.
A journalist who specializes in world news is called a “correspondent.” A correspondent can be full-time or a freelance reporter, and usually travels to foreign cities or regions to report on various topics. Correspondents often gather their information from local sources, such as government officials, community members and the local media, as well as from events that they personally witness.
While world news is generally viewed as a separate topic from national news, there is some overlap between the two, particularly when reporting on a conflict involving belligerent countries. In some cases, journalists must rely on wire services to obtain their material, which is often prepared by reporters on staff or freelancers.
In addition to the main news segments, World News Now has featured a variety of lighthearted and even irreverent features. These have included the “Insomniac Theater” segment, where anchors review a recent movie release; the “World News Polka” (played by comedian Barry Mitchell on the accordion); and “Wordy Weather,” which features odd weather forecasts from obscure places around the globe.
On February 17, 2011, the program made headlines when co-anchor Norah O’Donnell announced her retirement; the next day’s edition of WNN paid tribute to her with a special feature called “Norah’s Legacy.” The final episode also featured a series of clips from past shows, and an on-screen send-off by Jeremy Hubbard and others.
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