World news is the term for the specialized branch of journalism dealing with foreign subjects. The subject matter can include either news sent directly from abroad (for example, the press releases of foreign governments or international organizations) or – since the advent of modern distance communication technologies – the news that is gathered or sourced through such means as telephone, satellite TV and the Internet. Sometimes there is a confusion between this field and “national news,” but the distinction should be made clear, because national news deals with matters of concern to a particular nation.
When a reporter is stationed permanently in another country, he or she is considered to be a foreign correspondent. Correspondents usually report stories to their news editor, gathering material from local officials and citizens as well as the local media. They also may be able to gather information from events they witness personally. When reporters work overseas but do not have permanent contracts with any of the major news sources, they are known as stringers. They may write for several different companies at once, producing material on a freelance basis.