World news is the general term used in most of the world’s media for stories about events that take place outside a country’s borders or about a global subject. This is often contrasted with “national” news, which refers to news about events that affect a nation directly (such as wars or summits of multilateral organizations).
The major news agencies prepare hard news stories and other material that can be used by newspapers, magazines and radio and television broadcasters with little or no modification; these are often distributed in bulk electronically through wire services, originally via telegraphy but now frequently over the Internet. They may also provide information to governments, businesses and individuals on request.
Some of the most famous and influential news programs have originated in countries other than the United States, including such European-based programs as the Courant de Paris (France), the Nieuwe Tijudinger (Belgium) and the Relation (Strasbourg). These have influenced American news programs.
In the tradition of its predecessor NBC News Overnight, ABC’s World News Now has often included serious and sometimes offbeat news stories interspersed with odd features such as the World News Polka (played by comedian Barry Mitchell on the accordion) and video footage of dancing camels on Wednesdays (“Hump Day”). In addition to a full sportscast, the show occasionally included a trivia segment called World News Knows that aired after a commercial break; this was replaced in 2012 by “The Mix”.
The program has also been known for presenting repurposed segments and story packages from other ABC News programs. As a result, it has been a training ground for several new anchors who have gone on to higher-profile positions with network and local newscasts. When a full-time anchor of World News Now moves on to another job, a ceremony of sorts takes place on the last broadcast. This has occasionally included cardboard cutouts of the former anchor hung in the rafters of the studio set, as well as a brief tribute from the current co-anchors.