Business news covers the economic and financial activities and changes that occur in a society. These activities include the sale and purchase of goods, the creation of businesses, the development of economies, the exchange of goods and services and a wide range of other activities. This type of news is most often published in newspapers, magazines and online. It can also be found in television and radio. Almost all major newspapers have a business section, and many have entire publications dedicated to covering the world of business.
The term business can also refer to the specific industry in which a company operates. A for-profit business will make a profit on each transaction, while not-for-profit businesses may invest any profits back into achieving their stated goals or improving infrastructure. In general, however, the word business is most often used to refer to a company that engages in commercial activity.
A business can be owned by a person, a corporation or an institution. Companies that operate a business typically require substantial capital and are subject to government regulation. As such, they are considered to be a large part of the economy. Some of the largest corporations in the world are publicly traded and therefore subject to public scrutiny. The business press can be an important source of information for investors.
In addition to the daily and weekly business tabloids available in most cities, there are numerous national and international business news magazines and journals. These tend to focus on larger issues and developments in the business world and are often highly regarded in terms of their quality and accuracy.
Thousands of trade magazines and subscription-only newsletters are also available. These focus on a specific industry and may offer news that is not of interest to the average newspaper reader. Some of these publications also manage industry-specific trade shows.
The Internet has transformed the business media landscape and created new channels for dissemination. Most major print publications have substantial Web sites that feature all or most of their content. In addition, a number of innovative Web-only business publications have emerged. Some of these offer news articles, blogs and podcasts that provide the latest business-related information. The business press is also increasingly active in social media, where it can promote and disseminate its news.