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<p>News is <a href="/facts/Information/3LdrzXtJ">information</a> about current events. It may be communicated through various <a href="/facts/Media_(communication)/uflm14CI">media</a>, including <a href="/facts/Word_of_mouth/8KmsyB4g">word of mouth</a>, <a href="/facts/Printing/ta4QpeDE">printing</a>, postal systems, <a href="/facts/Broadcasting/AV1f3dGy">broadcasting</a>, <a href="/facts/Telecommunications/vxoj1cxR">telecommunications</a>, and digital platforms. News may also be shared through the accounts of <a href="/facts/Witness/gGcTPH5n">observers and witnesses</a>. </p><p>The term "news" is often used to refer to "hard news" to distinguish it from features and other types of <a href="/facts/Soft_media/DlRyEF95">soft media</a>. Common topics in news reporting include <a href="/facts/War/MPluTbJ0">war</a>, <a href="/facts/Politics/1gDNy3RP">politics</a>, <a href="/facts/Education/WIwsQKF9">education</a>, <a href="/facts/Health/jjTlJf6m">health</a>, <a href="/facts/Economy/okLWSsEY">economy</a>, <a href="/facts/Business/For1e8Nh">business</a>, <a href="/facts/Fashion/WbR38tGI">fashion</a>, <a href="/facts/Sport/0NazHJMC">sport</a>, <a href="/facts/Entertainment/XXRnLM62">entertainment</a>, and the <a href="/facts/Environment/3ekwbByQ">environment</a>, as well as unusual or remarkable events. </p><p>Since ancient times, official proclamations concerning <a href="/facts/Monarchy/Kg1vY7tt">royal ceremonies</a>, <a href="/facts/Law/luzxWkg0">laws</a>, <a href="/facts/Tax/8cXNkA00">taxes</a>, <a href="/facts/Public_health/4563Kre9">public health</a>, and <a href="/facts/Crime/BfoRzbL3">crime</a> have been sources of news. Advances in <a href="/facts/Technology/9Uav5WVR">technology</a> and changes in <a href="/facts/Society/PulvrYfa">society</a> have continually shaped how news is created and disseminated. Innovations in communication—ranging from government bulletins and espionage networks to global broadcasting and internet platforms—have increased both the speed and reach of news distribution. </p><p>Historically, news was primarily shared orally. Newspapers originated in China and gradually spread to Europe during the <a href="/facts/Early_modern_period/hhpHM721">early modern period</a>. The 20th century saw the rise of <a href="/facts/Radio/XFr909M2">radio</a> and <a href="/facts/Television/X4YG5nT1">television</a> as dominant news platforms. In the 21st century, the <a href="/facts/Internet/Xw1rVvJU">internet</a> has become a primary source for news globally, reshaping the landscape of journalism. </p>