Business news is a branch of journalism that covers the economic and financial activities of societies. It can be found in newspapers, magazines and radio and television news programs. Dedicated business news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal are among the most highly respected publications in the world. This guide provides tips and suggestions for finding both general business news and industry-specific news.
A “business” is an entity that engages in commercial, industrial or professional activities in order to organize and sustain the economic production of goods and services. It may be for profit or not-for-profit and can range in size from a single-person operation to multinational corporations. The word is derived from the Latin noun “busiess” meaning an enterprise or undertaking.
Unlike popular opinion, not all businesses are evil or corrupt. In fact, some are quite charitable and give back to the communities in which they operate. Regardless, most businesses are focused on making money. They do this by offering products and/or services that are needed or wanted in the market and by investing the profits into expansion, research and development and improved infrastructure.
The business world is complex, and the needs of businesses and consumers are constantly evolving. Keeping up with the latest business news is essential for anyone who wants to be at the forefront of their industry. Business news can impact everything from how companies invest their capital to how governments regulate the economy.
Business news often makes headlines due to large mergers and acquisitions, new laws that impact commerce or the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. Getting coverage in the business news is a goal that many start-ups and smaller companies have, but it can be difficult to achieve without a major hook or angle.
When seeking to garner business news attention, consider what makes your company or product unique. Has your business set records that are worth mentioning? Is your company involved in a significant merger or acquisition that would be of interest to readers? Will your new product or service shift the landscape for your clients, competitors and the overall industry?
For more in-depth information on specific topics, consider contacting industry news sources known as trade publications. These news outlets specialize in a particular industry and cover relevant news that affects that audience exclusively. Examples of such publications include Ad Age, Publishers Weekly and Variety. Other well-known industry news outlets include American Banker, EE Times and Financial Advisor. These types of media often contain exclusive interviews and detailed analysis that is not available in mainstream news outlets. In some cases, these industry-specific news outlets can be more influential than larger general business news outlets. For more help identifying trade news sources, contact the Ask-A-Librarian team at the Library of Congress. They can provide you with lists of publications by industry and title that are available in print and microform at the library.