A news outlet is a source for the dissemination of current and important information. A news outlet can be a newspaper, magazine, television or radio program. The news can be current or historical, and can include a wide variety of topics such as political events, crime, business, sports, weather and opinion (editorials, columns and political cartoons). A newspaper can also provide entertainment such as crosswords and comic strips.

The emergence of social media as a prominent news outlet has changed how people access and share news. This shift can affect how public opinions are formed about critical societal issues, as it allows for real-time reporting and immediate feedback from audiences. However, it can also lead to the spread of misinformation that can impact how individuals perceive the world around them.

When a journalist decides to pursue a story, they often begin by gathering evidence such as photographs and videos. Once they have assembled this material, they may submit it to their editor for approval. The editor can then edit the material and decide on a headline for the story. The editorial staff can also work with on-the-scene journalists (news correspondents) to obtain information about a specific topic or event.

The editors of a news outlet are responsible for the editorial direction of the publication and are usually paid to create content according to their own preferences. In the United States, there are many private and corporate publishers that offer newspapers, magazines and online publications. Business drives most American news outlets, as advertisers dictate the opinions and news that are produced.