Business news is a type of journalism that tracks, records and analyzes the economic and financial activities and changes that take place in societies. As a genre, it’s an integral part of the wider journalism profession and is classified as a subset of the larger field of corporate reporting.
Business is an important sector of the economy, and keeping up to date with business news is essential for entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals. From the latest trends in the startup ecosystem to mergers and acquisitions, business news covers a wide range of topics that impact the global business landscape. Additionally, business news provides insights into sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Some business news agencies operate independently, with their own staff of journalists generating stories that they share with other major media outlets (e.g. PA Media, Thomson Reuters, dpa and United Press International). Other business news agencies are cooperatives that operate as networks with local news partners, aggregating and distributing content to major media sites like the BBC, NBC and CBS. Still others are commercial newswire services that charge businesses to distribute their news to customers (e.g. Business Wire, GlobeNewswire, PR Newswire and PR Web).
In addition to focusing on business transactions, many business news outlets also cover high-profile corporate drama, such as boardroom battles, executive firings and layoffs. The evolution of e-commerce has also been a significant focus of business news, with online shopping and digital platforms disrupting traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Business news platforms are also influential in shaping public opinion and consumer behavior by highlighting the positive impacts of corporate sustainability initiatives and social responsibility programs.
When pitching business news to a publication, consider what makes your story unique and what value it adds to the readership. Getting coverage in larger general business outlets can be difficult for start-ups and smaller companies, so it’s a good idea to also target industry – or trade – news outlets. If you have an impressive metric, such as a record-breaking sales figure or an innovative new product that will save your clients time and money, this is sure to catch the attention of a business reporter’s editor.
If you’re having trouble finding business news articles, try adjusting your search terms. You may need to be more specific when searching for international sources, or use a more complex query to find regional business news coverage. If you’re having difficulty finding what you’re looking for, feel free to contact a librarian for assistance.