Business news is a genre of journalism that covers the economic, financial and commercial aspects of modern society. The field encompasses topics ranging from the global economy to local job opportunities. Business news articles are usually reported in newspapers, magazines and online. Some sources may specialize in a particular industry or cover only national or international events. Some print and online resources are free, while others are subscription-based.
Traditionally, the target audience for business and financial news has been economic professionals who consume the news 24/7. As a result, many reporters use terms and jargon that is unfamiliar to the average reader. To better reach everyday consumers, business journalists need to demystify the information they present. This doesn’t mean dumbing down the message, but rather presenting it in a way that is relatable to everyone. For example, when referencing complex data points like stock market trends, using visual aids such as graphs or infographics can help readers understand the information. Video clips or on-camera interviews with people who have been directly affected by the topic can also help.
In order to make business news more relatable, reporters should look beyond the stock market and focus on how large economic changes can affect ordinary people. For instance, if inflation causes prices to rise, discussing how that may impact the cost of groceries, rent or gas can bring the story home for readers. In addition, describing the impact of government policies on businesses can be a useful tool to explain how these actions can have ripple effects on the everyday consumer.
The term business refers to the exchange of goods and services for money or something of equivalent value. When a profit is made on the transaction, it is called commerce. Businesses can be organized in a variety of ways, including as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations or not-for-profits. Some businesses are privately owned while others are publicly listed on the stock market and are therefore “owned” by the public.
The Library of Congress maintains collections of print and microform business news sources from around the world. This guide is intended to help you find and evaluate these resources. If you have any questions about finding business news sources, please feel free to contact us.
