Day: September 18, 2025

Entertainment news is a specialized form of journalism that reports on the world of movies, television, music, and celebrity culture. It can significantly shape the public perception of celebrities and cultural trends by highlighting their accomplishments, exposing flaws, and offering behind-the-scenes insight. It is a field that requires journalists to balance glamorous reporting with sensitive coverage that respects the privacy of individuals involved.

As the media industry has changed with technology, the line between news and entertainment has blurred. This phenomenon has been referred to as infotainment, or the merger of information and entertainment in television programming. It is reflected in the choice of news stories and their presentation, such as a greater emphasis on crime stories, human-interest pieces, or entertainment value added through satire or sensationalism.

While some critics have argued that soft news and infotainment have undermined the credibility of traditional news organizations, others have suggested that media companies are trying to keep up with consumer demand by providing content that is entertaining and appealing. For example, television programs focusing on popular music, such as American Idol and The Voice, have increased the visibility of some musical artists while also appealing to viewers who may not otherwise watch traditional news programs. Additionally, visually stimulating print and online video game magazines have helped to expand the reach of the video game industry and attract a new audience. The growth of these outlets has challenged traditional news organizations to determine how best to address this demand while maintaining their reputation for objectivity.

Local news is the reporting of events, issues and activities that directly impact a defined local community or geographic area. It plays a significant role in fostering community identity by covering stories that resonate with residents, reflecting their values, culture and concerns. By informing citizens about government decisions, public services and local events, it encourages civic participation and engagement.

While national and state-level events may be covered by local news outlets, it’s often the community level coverage that has the greatest impact. Take, for example, the recent battle over textbooks in Seminole County schools in Florida. While there was plenty of media coverage on the broader issue, it was The Blueprint – Hagerty High School’s student newspaper – that stepped in to cover the story and give local students a hands-on education in journalism.

A large number of Americans report following local news at least sometimes, with the majority saying they follow news about weather, crime and government. However, some communities have been left without any local news at all, a situation known as being in a “news desert.”

Local news is typically broadcast on television by commercial broadcasting channels (some of which are network affiliates). It can be either a standalone local newscast that runs for at least a half-hour or short segments that air attached to national morning newscasts. For instance, Norway’s national public broadcaster NRK TV shows a 13-minute local news program called NRK Distriktsnyheter every weekday evening on channel 3, and it also airs a shortened version of the same show as an opt-out during a simulcast of the nation-wide morning news program Dagsrevyen on channel 2. Local news is also shown on local cable channels.