A news outlet is a source of information that reports on current events or issues. These outlets include newspapers, magazines and television news broadcasts. The Internet also provides numerous online news outlets. Most of these sites depend on news agencies for some of their stories, but many also have their own reporters and editors. The proliferation of online news outlets has led to a great deal of poorly written material with little or no editorial oversight.
A wide variety of news outlets exist in the United States, reflecting a diversity of interests and worldviews among the population. While some partisan media organizations exist, most major outlets aim to entertain and inform, as well as present a balanced view of the world.
While print journalism is still a cornerstone of American news, technological changes have altered the landscape over the past several decades. Radio and then television have supplanted newspaper coverage, and the Internet has introduced new forms of social media and instant news updates.
A large majority of Americans report getting news at least sometimes from a digital device, with the most popular sources being news websites or apps, search engines and podcasts. Those who use these channels most frequently say they get news on a smartphone, tablet or computer.