World news, or international news for the layman, is a branch of journalism that deals with stories from abroad. These stories are usually sent by foreign correspondents or news agencies, or they may be gathered or researched via distance communication technologies, such as telephone, satellite TV or the Internet.

The most exciting aspect of the field is the ability to dissect complex events into manageable segments and report them in a timely manner. There is also a significant economic advantage to this – a world that can be reported on in real time means that companies and governments can be more responsive to changes in markets, consumers and the economy.

Among the most fascinating subfields of world news is international security and diplomacy, particularly when it comes to defending or promoting a country’s interests at the United Nations or other international fora. Often the best way to do this is by sending a high-ranking diplomat to the region or other key diplomatic hotspot for briefings on matters of national interest and for discussions with local leaders on issues such as terrorism, arms sales, trade negotiations, and famine.

Most major newspapers and television networks have at least one foreign correspondent, and many have more than one, covering countries throughout the globe. Several of these reporters are full-time or permanent residents of the country in question, and others are stringers on temporary assignments.