World news is news that is not specific to a particular country or area. The term is usually applied to international news, although in journalism, it may refer to any news that does not involve direct involvement of the nation’s government or institutions.
Often, the tabloids’ stories are lighthearted or even humorous. For example, one story from the Weekly World News stated that an alien named P’Lod had been known to fraternize with many prominent female politicians, and another alleged that the creature had stolen the Presidential race car of Hillary Clinton. The paper also frequently reported on strange cryptids, including real-life catwomen, Bigfoot, frog babies, and half-alligator half-human hybrids.
When the newspaper has correspondents based abroad, the reporters file stories to their home offices via wire services (originally called news agencies or newswires). These organizations also provide other media outlets with hard news and feature articles on a bulk basis. In the United States, major news agencies also provide their content to television stations through the use of satellite technology.
The ABC news program World News Now is an overnight news program that mixes general and offbeat news with occasional features such as an accordion-playing anchor for the World News Polka or video footage of dancing camels to signify “Hump Day.” When a regular anchor leaves, a ceremony is sometimes held during the last broadcast, with cardboard cutouts of the former anchor being placed in the studio rafters. Occasionally, viewers’ e-mails are read on the air and the anchors respond humorously to them.