News agency facts for kids
A news agency is a special kind of company. It gathers news and information from all over the world. Then, it sells this information to newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels. This helps them create their own news reports.
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What is a News Agency?
Imagine a big team of reporters and photographers. They work for a news agency. Their job is to find out what's happening everywhere. They cover important events, politics, sports, and more. They write stories and take pictures.
News agencies do not usually publish news directly to the public. Instead, they act like a wholesale supplier. They provide raw news material to other media companies. These companies then use the information to create their own news programs or articles.
How Do News Agencies Work?
News agencies have offices and reporters in many different countries. This allows them to report on events as they happen, no matter where they are. They send their news stories, photos, and videos to their clients very quickly. This often happens through special computer systems.
A key idea for many news agencies is to be objective. This means they try to report facts without taking sides. They aim to give the same neutral news to all their clients. This is true whether the client is a newspaper that leans conservative or one that leans liberal.
Big Global News Agencies
There are many news agencies around the world. However, three are known as the biggest global agencies. They have offices in most countries. They cover almost all types of information. These three are Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), and Reuters.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)
AFP is one of the oldest news agencies. It started in France in 1835. It provides news in many languages. AFP covers a wide range of topics. These include politics, economy, sports, and culture.
Associated Press (AP)
The Associated Press is based in the United States. It was founded in 1846. AP is a cooperative. This means it is owned by the newspapers and broadcasters that use its news. AP is famous for its breaking news coverage.
Reuters
Reuters is a British news agency. It was started in 1851 by Paul Reuter. It is well-known for its financial news. Reuters also covers general news from around the globe. It provides information to businesses and media outlets.
News Agencies in Shops?
In some countries, like the United Kingdom and Australia, the term "news agency" or "newsagent" means something different. It can also refer to a shop. This shop sells newspapers, magazines, and other small items like stationery. So, the meaning depends on where you are.
