World news is a major subfield of journalism, covering events and issues occurring outside one’s own country. This can include the reporting of wars (although often categorized as “national” for the media of belligerent countries), summits of multilateral organizations, and other international events. World news can also cover issues that would be of interest to all or a large number of people, such as the impact of climate change on food production, or the effect of government corruption on economic stability. The tabloid newspaper Weekly World News, which ceased printing in 2007, is a well-known example of a world news publication.
The tabloid often covered supernatural or paranormal topics, and reported on alleged encounters with demons and angels. Its articles claimed to discover new relics from Noah’s Ark, the Garden of Eden, or sandals worn by Jesus. It also reported on sightings of Elvis Presley, and published photographs allegedly showing the gray-haired rock star emerging from years of seclusion in preparation for a comeback. It even held an interview with Sisyphus when he finally finished his eternal boulder-hauling “workout.”
Rapper Travis Scott parodied the Weekly World News in his 2021 single Escape Plan / Mafia, using a picture of Bat Boy on the cover. This was an obvious reference to the tabloid’s fictional monster coverage. More recently, the Weekly World News has focused on supposedly scientifically sound pseudoscientific explanations for supernatural phenomenon. Occasionally, the paper has even included real, graphic photos on its covers, such as those depicting the post-autopsied body of serial killer Ted Bundy.
