ASSIGNMENT

TOPIC: NEWS AGENCIES

SUBMITTED TO: MISS SIDRA

SUBMITTED BY:

HADEEQA 210

MAIRA 214

MUFAZA 221

ISRA 216

NIMRA 238

DATE: 25- NOV-2024

COURSE CODE: BSCS-301

SESSION: 2022-2026

SEMESTER: V

BS MASS COMMUNICATION

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES

QUEEN MARY GRADUATE COLLEGE LAHORE

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 News agencies:
Introduction:
A news agency is an organization that collects, edits, and sells news reports to subscribing news
organizations, such as newspapers, magazines, and radio and television broadcasters. News
agencies are also known as wire services, newswires, press agencies, or press associations.
News agencies play a role in framing issues and bringing attention to important matters. They
consider the potential for bias and sensationalism in their coverage, and determine which issues,
individuals, organizations, political parties, and government functionaries receive significant
coverage.
Some examples of news agencies include:
Associated Press: A news agency in the United States
Reuters: A news agency in the United States

Role of news agencies :

News agencies play a crucial role in the media landscape for several reasons:
Information Dissemination: They gather, produce, and distribute news to various media outlets,
ensuring that information reaches a wide audience quickly. This helps keep the public informed
about local, national, and international events.
Objectivity and Credibility: Established news agencies often adhere to strict journalistic
standards, which helps provide reliable and accurate information. This is essential for
maintaining public trust in the news.
Resource Efficiency: Smaller news organizations often rely on larger news agencies to access
news content. This allows them to provide comprehensive coverage without the resources to
have correspondents in every location.
Global Perspective: News agencies operate internationally, which helps provide a broader
context for news stories. They can cover events from multiple angles and offer insights that
might not be available from local sources.

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Timeliness: News agencies are typically quick to report breaking news, which is vital in today’s
fast-paced information environment. Their ability to disseminate news rapidly helps inform
public opinion and decision-making.
Diverse Coverage: They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, culture,
science, and sports, which contributes to a well-rounded understanding of current events.
Supporting Democracy: By providing access to information, news agencies contribute to an
informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy. They hold power to account
by reporting on government actions and societal issues.
In summary, news agencies are fundamental to the functioning of modern media, ensuring that
news is accurate, timely, and widely available, thereby supporting informed public discourse and
democratic processes.

Structure of agencies:
The organizational structure of newspapers and news agencies typically includes several key
components, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Here's an overview of how these
entities are generally structured, particularly in the context of Print Media Services (PMS):
Editorial Department
Editor-in-Chief: Oversees the entire editorial process, responsible for the newspaper's voice and
content.
Managing Editor: Manages day-to-day operations, including scheduling and staff management.
Section Editors: Responsible for specific sections (e.g., news, sports, entertainment, opinion).
Reporters and Journalists: Gather news, conduct interviews, and write articles.
Copy Editors: Edit articles for grammar, style, and factual accuracy.
Production Department
Production Manager: Oversees the production process, coordinating with editorial and printing
teams.
Designers: Create layouts for pages, ensuring visual appeal and readability.
Typesetters: Prepare text for printing, often using specialized software.
Marketing and Advertising Department
Marketing Manager: Develops strategies to promote the newspaper or agency.
Advertising Sales Representatives: Sell ad space to businesses and organizations.

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Advertising Designers: Create advertisements for clients.
Circulation Department
Circulation Manager: Manages distribution and subscription services.
Sales Representatives: Promote subscriptions and manage customer relations.
Finance and Administration
Finance Manager: Oversees budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
Human Resources: Manages hiring, training, and employee relations.
Digital Department (for newspapers with online presence)
Digital Editor: Manages the online content and strategy.
Web Developers: Maintain the newspaper's website and digital platforms.
Social Media Managers: Handle the newspaper's presence on social media platforms.
News Agencies
News agencies, like Reuters or Associated Press, may have a similar structure but often on a
larger scale, focusing more on global news dissemination. Their structure includes:
Global Editors: Oversee news coverage from various regions.
Correspondents: Report from different locations worldwide.
Multimedia Teams: Focus on video and audio news content.
Data and Research Analysts: Provide in-depth analysis and support for news stories .
The organizational structure can vary based on the size of the newspaper or news agency, but
these roles are commonly found across the industry. Each department collaborates to ensure
timely and accurate news delivery, adapting to changes in technology and audience preference.

International news agencies:

Introduction:
International news agencies are organizations that gather, produce, and distribute news content
globally. They operate by collecting information on a wide range of topics, such as politics,
economics, culture, science, and more, from multiple locations worldwide. These agencies then
disseminate this information to media outlets, governments, and other organizations. Their content
is often used by newspapers, television channels, radio stations, and online platforms.

Features of international news agencies:

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Here is an explanation of the features of international news agencies:
Global Reach:
• International news agencies like Reuters, AP, and AFP operate through a vast network of
correspondents, offices, and affiliates in almost every region of the world. They ensure
coverage from remote villages to major cities.
• Their wide reach allows them to cover niche topics such as environmental crises in the
Amazon, local protests in Africa, or cultural events in Asia, offering a comprehensive
global perspective.
Comprehensive coverage:
• International news agencies cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics,
sports, culture, health, environment, science, and technology. Their scope enables them to
provide a holistic view of global events, ensuring that they capture diverse perspectives.
• For example, Reuters provides coverage on financial markets, while AFP is well-known
for its in-depth coverage of international political events.
Multilingual Services:
• International news agencies produce content in numerous languages to cater to diverse
linguistic groups. This multilingual capability allows them to penetrate both global and
local markets.
• Agencies increasingly use AI-powered translation tools to expand the speed and scope of
their multilingual services.
Objectivity and Neutrality:
• Neutrality is a cornerstone of their operations. Agencies follow strict journalistic
guidelines to avoid bias, ensuring their content can be used by media organizations across
the political spectrum.
• Reporters are trained to present balanced views, especially on contentious issues like
geopolitics, religious conflicts, or human rights.

Multimedia Format:
• High-quality photos, infographics, and videos complement written articles to cater to
digital and social media audiences.

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 • Content is often formatted for use across different platforms, such as short clips for social
media, in-depth videos for news channels, and text-based stories for websites and
newspapers.
Wire Services:
• Media outlets, businesses, and government organizations subscribe to these agencies to
access a steady stream of reliable news and information.
• Wire services deliver updates directly to subscribers' systems, often with the option to
customize feeds by region, topic, or format.
High Standards of Accuracy:
• Agencies employ teams dedicated to verifying facts, ensuring minimal errors in their
reporting.
• Information is often corroborated with multiple sources, including official statements,
eyewitness accounts, and satellite data when necessary.
Influence on Journalism:
• Their reports shape public opinion and influence the editorial direction of newspapers,
TV channels, and online platforms across the world.
• Many regional and local media outlets lack the resources to cover international news,
relying heavily on content from these agencies.
The unique features of international news agencies make them indispensable in the modern
world. Their ability to gather, verify, and distribute news across languages, formats, and regions
has established them as the backbone of global journalism. They not only shape the way news is
consumed but also ensure that reliable information reaches audiences in real-time, fostering
informed societies worldwide.

Role of international news agencies:

The role of International News Agencies are following:
Global News Distribution:
• International news agencies act as central hubs for gathering and distributing news
globally. They collect information from correspondents, local sources, and partnerships
worldwide, enabling media organizations to access a steady flow of news.

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 • This distribution ensures that news from any corner of the world reaches a global
audience swiftly and efficiently.
Providing Breaking News:
• Equipped with extensive networks of reporters and advanced communication systems,
international news agencies are usually the first to report breaking news.
• Their ability to deliver real-time updates ensures that media outlets worldwide can keep
their audiences informed of major developments as they unfold.
Standardizing News Reporting:
• By maintaining high standards of ethical journalism and factual accuracy, international
news agencies influence global reporting norms.
• Their adherence to professional practices sets a benchmark for reporting integrity,
objectivity, and credibility, which smaller media outlets often emulate.
Economic Impact:
• International news agencies reduce the financial burden on media outlets by providing
pre-packaged, ready-to-publish content.
• This model allows smaller outlets to focus resources on local stories while still offering
their audiences global coverage, improving overall media efficiency.
Public Diplomacy:
• Coverage of international relations, conflicts, and diplomacy shapes how nations perceive
each other.
• By reporting on key diplomatic events and global issues, international news agencies
influence political discourse, public opinion, and international relations.
Disaster Reporting:
• In times of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or major accidents, international news
agencies provide critical information quickly and accurately.
• This reporting helps governments, NGOs, and the public respond effectively to
emergencies by raising awareness and mobilizing support.
Investigative Journalism:
• Many international news agencies engage in deep, collaborative investigative reporting.
By pooling resources and expertise across borders, they uncover global issues such as

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 corruption, environmental crimes, and human rights violations, bringing attention to
stories that might otherwise remain hidden.
International news agencies thus serve as essential pillars of global journalism, ensuring that
information flows freely, reliably, and ethically across borders.

Examples:AFP,AP,Reuters,etc
AFPFounded in 1835 as the "Havas Agency" by Charles-Louis Havas in Paris, AFP has a rich
history that spans nearly two centuries. In 1944, it adopted its current name, AFP operates in
multiple languages, including French, English, Spanish, and Arabic, allowing it to cater to
diverse audiences and facilitating its reach in different regions. With more than 200 bureaus in
over 150 countries, AFP employs thousands of journalists, photographers, and editors who are
dedicated to covering everything from politics, economics, and culture to science, sports, and
environmental issues. The agency’s ability to adapt to changing media trends has been another
crucial factor in its ongoing success. As digital technology and social media have revolutionized
the way news is consumed, AFP has embraced these platforms, providing real-time updates and
multimedia content that engage audiences worldwide. This strategic transition has helped AFP
remain relevant in the fast-paced news environment of today, offering a diverse array of news
formats, including text, images, videos, and interactive graphics. Furthermore, AFP emphasizes
the importance of promoting press freedom and supporting the professional development of
journalists globally. The agency invests in training programs and resources that help cultivate
journalistic skills, ensuring that standards remain high in regions where press freedoms may be
limited. In addition, AFP actively collaborates with other media organizations, sharing resources
and content to enhance the overall quality of reporting while promoting diversity in storytelling.
A significant aspect of AFP’s role as an international news agency is its coverage of major global
issues, including climate change, human rights, and public health crises.
Reuters: Reuters, established in 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, is a prominent international news
agency based in London, recognized for its extensive coverage of global events and its
commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impartial news. Operating in over 200 locations
worldwide, Reuters employs thousands of journalists and correspondents dedicated to gathering
information and reporting on a diverse array of topics including politics, economics, business,
technology, and sports, among others. One of the defining features of Reuters is its adherence to

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high journalistic standards, which emphasizes objectivity and factual reporting, helping to ensure
that the information disseminated is reliable and credible. This commitment to impartiality
enables Reuters to cater to a global audience, as it seeks to provide news that reflects multiple
viewpoints and avoids bias, thus earning the trust of readers across different cultures and regions.
In addition to traditional news reporting, Reuters has positioned itself as a leader in financial
journalism, offering comprehensive market analysis, economic data, and real-time financial
information that is crucial for investors and business professionals. The agency’s financial news
services, particularly through its Reuters Terminal, are widely utilized by traders, banks, and
investment firms, underscoring its specialized role in the financial sector. Furthermore, as the
media landscape has evolved with the rise of digital technology, Reuters has adapted its
strategies to meet changing consumer demands. It has embraced online platforms and social
media, ensuring that its content reaches audiences quickly and effectively. This adaptation
includes the integration of multimedia elements, such as videos and infographics, to enhance
storytelling and engage readers more dynamically. Moreover, Reuters provides news services in
multiple languages, further expanding its reach and influence across the globe, making it
accessible to non-English speaking audiences. . In the current era, where misinformation and
“fake news” pose significant challenges to journalism, Reuters remains steadfast in its mission to
curb these issues through rigorous fact-checking processes and a strong ethical framework. The
agency’s dedication to transparency and accountability not only reinforces its reputation but also
serves as a model for other news organizations striving for integrity in their reporting. As part of
its commitment to social responsibility, Reuters actively promotes diversity and inclusion within
its workforce and strives to represent a variety of perspectives in its reporting.
Associated Press: The Associated Press (AP) is a leading international news agency, renowned
for its extensive, impartial reporting and its role as a primary source of news for media outlets,
businesses, and governments worldwide. Founded in 1846 by five newspapers in New York
City, the AP was established to provide timely news coverage of events that were both relevant
and significant, particularly concerning the Mexican-American War.. With a network of over
250 bureaus around the world, the AP employs thousands of journalists, photographers, and
editors who work diligently to gather, verify, and distribute news on a wide array of topics,
including politics, health, entertainment, science, and sports. .Additionally, in response to the
rapid changes in the media landscape driven by digital technology, the AP has successfully

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transitioned into the online realm, offering breaking news updates through multiple channels,
including its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. This adaptability allows the AP
to reach a diverse global audience, providing real-time updates that cater to the demands of
today’s fast-paced information environment.. In a quest for inclusivity and diversity, the AP has
made significant strides to ensure its reporting reflects the realities of different communities and
cultures. By promoting a diverse workforce and emphasizing underreported stories, the agency
works towards providing a platform for a wide range of voices, enhancing the richness of its
news content. The AP also invests in training and resources for journalists globally, helping to
promote ethical journalism practices and elevate standards in regions experiencing challenges
related to press freedom.

National news agencies

Definition:
National news agencies are organizations that gather, produce, and distribute news on a national
level. They serve as a primary source of news for various media outlets, including newspapers,
television, and online platforms. These agencies collect information from various regions within
a country and often provide coverage on a wide range of topics, such as politics, economics,
culture, and sports.

National news agencies play several important roles in the media landscape and society as a
whole. Here are some key functions they perform:
1. News Gathering: They collect news from various sources, including reporters,
correspondents, and other media outlets. This helps ensure that they have a comprehensive view
of events happening across the country.
2. Information Distribution: National news agencies distribute news content to various media
outlets, such as newspapers, radio, and television stations. This allows smaller media
organizations to access reliable news without having to maintain extensive reporting staff.
3. Timeliness and Accuracy: They strive to provide timely and accurate news coverage. By
having a network of reporters across the nation, they can quickly report on breaking news and
significant events.

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4. Objectivity and Credibility: National news agencies aim to maintain objectivity and
impartiality in their reporting. This credibility is vital for media outlets that rely on their content
to inform the public.
5. Research and Analysis: In addition to reporting news, many national news agencies conduct
research and provide analysis on various issues, helping to inform public debate and
understanding of complex topics.
6. Crisis Reporting: During emergencies or crises, national news agencies play a crucial role in
disseminating information quickly and accurately, which can be vital for public safety.
7. Cultural Representation: They often cover cultural events, social issues, and local stories,
helping to represent the diverse voices and perspectives within a nation.
8. International Reporting: Some national news agencies also cover international news,
providing context and analysis on global events that may affect the country.

National news agencies have several key features that distinguish them from other types of
media organizations. Here are some of the main features:
1. Wide Network of Correspondents: National news agencies typically have a large network of
reporters and correspondents spread across different regions of the country. This allows them to
gather news from various locations and provide comprehensive coverage.
2. Timeliness: They focus on delivering news quickly and efficiently. National news agencies
often have systems in place to report breaking news as it happens, ensuring that their content is
up-to-date.
3. Multimedia Content: Many national news agencies produce content in various formats,
including text articles, videos, and audio reports. This allows them to reach a broader audience
through different media channels.
4. Objectivity and Impartiality: National news agencies strive to maintain a neutral and
unbiased stance in their reporting. They adhere to journalistic standards and ethics to ensure
credibility.
5. Research and Analysis: In addition to reporting news, national news agencies often provide
in-depth analysis and research on current events, helping to contextualize the news for their
audience.

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6. Content Syndication: They distribute their news reports to various media outlets, including
newspapers, radio stations, and online platforms. This syndication allows smaller outlets to
access high-quality news content.
7. Crisis Coverage: During emergencies or significant events, national news agencies play a
crucial role in providing timely information and updates to the public.
8. Diverse Coverage: National news agencies cover a wide range of topics, including politics,
economics, culture, sports, and more, reflecting the diverse interests of the population.
Examples: APP, PPI,, SANA, INP
APP : The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) is a major news agency in Pakistan. It was
established in 1947 and is one of the leading sources of news in the country. APP provides a
wide range of news coverage, including political news, economic updates, sports, entertainment,
and current affairs.
The agency aims to deliver accurate and timely news to its audience, and it serves various media
outlets, including newspapers, radio, and television stations. APP also has a strong online
presence, offering news updates through its website and social media platforms.
APP covers international events and issues that impact Pakistan. They have correspondents
across the country and in various parts of the world to ensure comprehensive news reporting.
PPI:
PPI stands for Pakistan Press International. It's another prominent news agency in Pakistan,
similar to APP. PPI was established to provide news coverage and information on various topics,
including politics, economics, sports, and social issues.
PPI focuses on delivering accurate and timely news to both local and international audiences.
They have a network of correspondents and reporters who gather news from different regions of
Pakistan and beyond, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Like other news agencies, PPI serves various media outlets, including newspapers, radio stations,
and television channels, and they also maintain an online presence to keep the public informed
about current events.
SANA:
The South Asian News Agency (SANA) is a news organization that provides coverage of events
and issues relevant to the South Asian region, including countries like India, Pakistan,

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Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. SANA focuses on regional news,
politics, economics, and cultural matters.
The agency was established in 2003 and aimed to provide reliable and timely news from South
Asia to a global audience, with a particular emphasis on the region's issues and perspectives. It
often serves as a platform for news that might not be covered extensively in mainstream
international media outlets.
Some important people associated with SANA include journalists, editors, and correspondents
specializing in South Asian affairs. However, specific notable names may vary over time, as the
organization may have changes in leadership or personnel.
INP : The Independent News Pakistan (INP) is a prominent news agency in Pakistan that
provides news, information, and reports to media outlets across the country. Established on
January 1, 2008, INP aims to offer accurate, timely, and reliable news to its audience, focusing
on both national and international events. It has become a significant player in the Pakistani
media landscape, known for its coverage of political, economic, and social issues.
Independent News Pakistan (INP) is a private news agency based in Pakistan. Established to
provide timely, accurate, and unbiased news coverage, INP focuses on delivering news and
analysis on various topics, including politics, economy, culture, and international affairs

Services Offered:
News Reports: INP delivers real-time news updates to newspapers, TV channels, and digital
platforms.
Feature Stories and Analyses: It provides in-depth analysis and feature articles on pressing
issues.
Photography and Multimedia: The agency supplies visuals and multimedia content to
complement news stories.

LOCAL NEWS AGENCIES

DEFINITION:
Local news agencies are organizations or outlets that focus on gathering, reporting, and
distributing news that is relevant to a specific geographic area, typically within a city, town, or
region. These agencies provide coverage on local events, politics, business, culture, and other

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topics that directly impact the community they serve. They may include newspapers, radio
stations, television stations, and digital platforms, and often serve as a key source of information
for residents of that locality. Local news agencies may also act as content providers for larger,
national news networks.

Role of Local News Agencies:

Local news agencies play a vital role in informing communities by providing relevant, timely,
and often hyper-local news that may not be covered by larger national outlets.

Here are several key roles they fulfill:

Community Information: They keep residents informed about local events, government
activities, school updates, crime reports, business openings, and other important local
happenings.
Accountability and Oversight: Local news agencies act as watchdogs by investigating issues
such as local corruption, government decisions, and community safety, holding local leaders
accountable.
Civic Engagement: They promote community involvement by educating people on local issues,
elections, and public policy, fostering informed civic participation.
Voice for the Underserved: Local news often provides a platform for underrepresented or
marginalized groups within the community, highlighting stories that may be overlooked by
national media.
Economic Impact: Local news agencies contribute to the local economy by offering jobs,
promoting local businesses through advertising, and driving engagement with the community.
Disaster Reporting: During emergencies, natural disasters, or public health crises, local news
outlets are crucial for timely and accurate reporting on evacuation procedures, safety measures,
and local conditions.
Cultural Connection: They reflect and reinforce local culture and identity by covering local
traditions, history, and values, helping to build a sense of community.
Hyperlocal Coverage: While national and international news agencies cover broad topics, local
agencies focus on specific neighborhoods, schools, and issues that matter most to local residents.

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Features of Local News Agencies:
Local news agencies typically possess several distinctive features that set them apart from
national and international media outlets. These features reflect their focus on serving specific
geographic communities with personalized and immediate news.

Some key features include:

Local Focus: The primary characteristic of a local news agency is its focus on news relevant to a
specific city, town, or region. This includes coverage of local politics, community events,
education, crime, weather, and local business.
Community Engagement: Local news agencies often have a strong connection to the
communities they serve. They engage with their audiences through interactive platforms such as
social media, community forums, and public events.
Timeliness and Relevance: They provide real-time news and updates that directly affect local
residents, from breaking news to ongoing issues like traffic accidents, local elections, and
emergency situations.
Personalized Content: Local news agencies produce content tailored to the interests and
concerns of their local audience. This includes localized reporting on topics such as school
events, local sports, neighborhood stories, and municipal government decisions.
In-Depth Coverage: While national outlets might provide surface-level reports, local agencies
often offer more in-depth coverage of local issues. Journalists in local news agencies are more
likely to investigate and report on topics that directly impact the daily lives of local residents.
Cultural Sensitivity: Local news agencies are often more attuned to the cultural, ethnic, and
social makeup of the communities they serve, providing content that resonates with local
traditions, values, and norms.
Local Advertising and Business Focus: Advertising is often targeted to the local market. Local
businesses, real estate, restaurants, and services often turn to local news agencies to reach their
community-based customers.

Human Interest Stories: Local news outlets frequently cover personal and human interest
stories that highlight local individuals or families, charitable organizations, and community
heroes, which may not receive attention from larger outlets.

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Public Service and Outreach: Local news agencies often have a strong commitment to public
service, providing information on public health, safety, local government initiatives, and other
essential services for the community.

Local Ownership and Control: Some local news agencies are independently owned, which
allows for a more personalized approach to reporting and decision-making. However, many are
also part of larger regional chains, which may influence their editorial approach.

Example …. Quetta online, City42, Lahore News, Karachi News Network

Quetta online: offers news and updates from Quetta, focusing on regional issues, local
government activities and community events.
Karachi News Network: Provides comprehensive coverage of news and events in Karachi,
including crime reports, business news and public issues.
Lahore News: Focuses on news specific to Lahore, covering local politics, culture events and
community happenings.

Conclusion … news agencies play an important role of collecting information & it’s
dissemination on different levels. It keeps public informed with giving broader prospective of
news ensuring authenticity & credibility.

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