World news is the term for the branch of journalism that deals with international or global events. It covers stories that concern more than one nation or region, and is not confined to war coverage (although this may be termed “national” for media in belligerent countries). It also includes economic news from abroad as well as the activities of multilateral organizations such as the UN or NATO.

At the dawn of modern journalism in the 17th century, most news was foreign, as noted by courants in Western Europe and the Netherlands such as the Daily Courant (London), Nieuwe Tijudinger (Antwerp), Avisa Relation oder Zeitung (Strasbourg) and the Courante Uyt Italien, Duytsland & Co (Amsterdam). As the nation-state concept developed in the 19th century, newspapers began to specialize in world news, although they continued to cover domestic events as well. With innovations in telegraphy, it became possible to transmit news quickly and far. In the early 20th century, a number of major news agencies were founded, such as Reuters (London), AP (New York) and AFP.

The major news agencies prepare hard news articles and other material that can be sold in bulk to individual news organizations such as newspapers, radio and television broadcasters, or to private individuals or corporations who pay for them. These companies are referred to as subscribers and often have an account with more than one agency. Journalists who freelance and produce material for multiple news organizations are called stringers.