Some people argue that reading newspapers and watching television news is a waste of time because news is not connected to people’s lives. I disagree. Although not every story has direct relevance for every individual, news reporting performs essential functions: it informs the public about developments that affect them, facilitates cooperation, and holds authorities accountable.
Firstly, news outlets provide information that directly impacts everyday life. Reports about employment trends, public health guidance, government policies and local infrastructure projects all enable citizens to make informed decisions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, timely reporting about infection rates and safety measures helped people protect themselves and adapt their behaviour. Secondly, international news fosters collaboration. Scientific discoveries or economic policies published in one country can be adopted or adapted elsewhere, accelerating progress and preventing redundant effort. Finally, investigative journalism exposes corruption and malpractice, which helps to improve institutions and protect public interests.
In short, while some news items may seem trivial, the overall function of news – to inform, connect and scrutinise – is vital to modern life. Therefore, reading newspapers and watching news programmes cannot be dismissed as a waste of time.