Business news is the branch of journalism that tracks, records and interprets the economic activities, changes and trends that take place in society. The goal of this type of journalism is to provide information that helps businesses, investors and other interested parties make informed decisions about commercial and financial activity. This news is often disseminated through newspapers, radio and television broadcasts, business magazines, and the internet.
The term “business” can encompass a wide range of activities, from manufacturing and retailing to finance and investment. Regardless of the specifics, all businesses aim to make profit and achieve growth. To do so, they must keep abreast of the latest business news to stay competitive and make informed decisions. Business news may include information about new products or services, mergers and acquisitions, stock market trends, employment and labor issues, and government regulations that affect businesses.
Businesses also have a responsibility to maintain a positive public image. This is important for attracting and retaining customers, as well as building employee morale. Business news can help a company’s image by demonstrating its commitment to the community and its dedication to ethical practices.
For startups and established companies alike, the business press is one of the best outlets for seeking coverage. However, it’s essential to understand that different publications have different audiences and expectations, so pitching a story that doesn’t align with those expectations won’t get you very far.
The history of business news dates back to the 1830s, when European countries started developing national news agencies. Reuters and Wolffs Telegraphisches Bureau were founded in Germany and Agence Havas was founded in France. Eventually, the internationalization of business news began in earnest after World War II. The major business presses of today include the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and Reuters.
Aside from focusing on the latest business news, these publications also publish features and analysis of trends, policies and other topics that are relevant to business. These articles may be written by staff reporters, freelancers, columnists or other contributors.
While many business newspapers and magazines cover global events, there are also a number of regional businesses that offer targeted content to their communities. These businesses have a unique insight into the local economies and may be able to provide valuable information that can benefit both consumers and businesses.
Some of the largest business news sites include NBC Business, CNBC, Bloomberg, Forbes and Fortune. These businesses also offer online versions of their publications and produce podcasts. Some of these websites are subscription based and offer free access to their content for users, while others require a fee for full access. In addition to news and feature stories, these websites also offer tools to help businesses plan their finances, find talent and connect with other business owners. This guide has been compiled by experts from the Library of Congress to help researchers identify sources for regional and global business news. It also provides tips on using specialized search strategies to locate business news in print and electronic resources.