Business news is a form of journalism that tracks, records, analyzes and interprets the commercial, economic and financial activities and changes that take place in societies. It can be disseminated via all types of mass media. Journalists who work in the field of business news are called business journalists.
In terms of format, business news can be published in many ways, including articles, videos, tables, graphs and broadcasts. In general, it tends to have a more serious tone than other forms of journalism. This is due to the fact that business news often covers topics with real-world repercussions, such as the economy, global events and market fluctuations.
For example, a new executive at a company might be announced in a press release. The release would typically detail the person’s experience and credentials in the industry, as well as their plan to move the company forward. It may also include information about upcoming public events or new products that the company will be releasing.
When writing business news, it’s important to keep the audience in mind. That doesn’t mean “dumbing it down,” but rather presenting the information in a way that’s easy to understand for anyone. For instance, referring to revenue in dollars instead of percentages can make a story more accessible for non-financial professionals. Using clear sentences and maintaining an approachable tone is also helpful, Cheung says.
In addition, visual aids can help to break down complex topics. They can be used to illustrate trends in areas like unemployment rates or the cost of living, as well as to clarify difficult concepts. For instance, a chart or graph might better demonstrate how a certain type of investment has performed over the years, while an infographic could highlight key points about different types of businesses.
One of the biggest challenges facing business journalists is getting people to care about the subjects they cover. This is especially true for finance news, which can feel intimidating to people who aren’t Wall Street brokers or “finance bros.” This is why it’s essential for business reporters to present the facts in a way that’s accessible to everyday viewers.
This doesn’t have to be done by using snarky language or insulting people’s intelligence. It can simply be a matter of explaining complicated topics in an easily digestible manner. For instance, if an article details the amount of money a company has brought in in a year, it can be easier to read if it’s presented as a percentage of total revenue, rather than a confusing number of millions of dollars. In addition, highlighting the benefits of investing can be a great way to get readers interested in business news. For example, a story about how millennials are taking control of their financial futures is more likely to capture the attention of younger audiences than an article about rising inflation. This is because millennials and Gen Z are more likely to prioritize saving for the future over spending on things like luxury goods or vacations.