World news is a broad term used to describe the various international and global topics covered by newspapers, radio, television and online media. Often world news refers to events that affect the entire planet or a large portion of it, such as wars and diplomatic issues. Other times it may refer to a single country or event that impacts people all over the globe, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
News coverage of the world usually involves a news agency and reporters stationed abroad. When a reporter is stationed abroad full-time and has a permanent contract with a newspaper, they are called a foreign correspondent. A reporter who does not hold a full-time position with one news source but instead is paid to produce stories for several different publications is often called a stringer.
World news can also refer to a collection of articles or stories compiled by one of the major news agencies such as AFP, Reuters and Wolff (formerly DPA). These news sources generally prepare hard news stories and feature articles that are sold in bulk to multiple newspapers, radio and television outlets and even to corporations, analysts and intelligence agencies.