International news is a category of news reporting that covers events in foreign countries or on global subjects. It can be produced by the traditional newspaper or magazine publishing business, by an international news agency or – more commonly – by broadcasters and other media outlets. Depending on the medium, this type of news may also be known as world news or foreign news.
International media coverage has received significant scholarly and professional attention because it tends to be more complex than domestic news and involves unique newsgathering challenges. In addition, it can be more expensive to produce and distribute than other types of news.
A key feature of international news is that it tends to be shaped by the relationship and history between the foreign country and the audience in which the story is being produced. In the case of television, this can mean that a story about a country that has stronger familial ties or economic clout in the local market is more likely to receive greater coverage than a similar event that does not.
Moreover, in many markets where major network television news is available, the local stations offer a separate version of their national news bulletin that is dedicated to covering regional and international news. This local news typically features the same graphics as the nationally networked bulletin, including on-screen digital clocks and thermometers and (occasionally) local news tickers that are superimposed on the national graphics.