World news is the term used in media to refer to a type of reporting that involves coverage of events taking place in foreign countries. This can include coverage of wars, international summits, and other events that involve international organizations or governments.

There are two main types of people who do world news: reporters (full-time employees employed by a news organization) and special envoys sent abroad to cover a specific subject, often for an extended period of time. There are also stringers who produce material for many different companies at once without a permanent contract with a particular media outlet.

The global journalism industry is facing major challenges, including increased crackdowns on press freedom, threats to the safety of journalists and ongoing erosion of business models that support independent and pluralistic media. To respond to these urgent challenges, UNESCO works closely with member states and other stakeholders, including a range of civil society organisations, academia and individuals seeking to understand the changing media landscape.

UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development series analyses trends in media freedom, pluralism and independence, and provides information for policymakers, government agencies and media practitioners. It aims to encourage greater understanding of the relationship between freedom of expression and the media and to promote awareness of the critical role of independent, pluralistic and accessible media in an increasingly polarized society.

More than one-in-ten Americans have heard of alternative social media sites, such as Gettr and Gab. But only 1% regularly get news from these sites.