Business news is the part of journalism that covers the commercial aspects of business, including mergers and acquisitions, stock market changes, management changes, government regulations impacting businesses and international trade. It may be found in newspapers, magazines, online or on television. The information contained in business news is vital to the world economy and is used extensively by investors, stakeholders and consumers.
The word business derives from the Latin term “busi”, meaning busy, and is a reference to activities that generate money. Business is considered to be any activity or enterprise entered into for profit, with the primary goal of making a sale. Businesses are typically considered to be for-profit entities, but not-for-profit organisations exist as well and invest any profit they make back into their operations or in achieving their stated goals.
Businesses operate under various structures, with the most common being sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Sole proprietorships are owned and operated by one individual, offering simplicity and limited liability. Partnerships are owned by two or more individuals, sharing profits and losses and having varying degrees of responsibility depending on the agreement. Corporations are legal entities separate from their owners, offering limited liability and more complex management structures.
Many newspaper and magazine publishers offer business news, including those published by large national publications like the Wall Street Journal. Regional and industry-specific publications also often provide business news. While these publications have a broader focus than purely business news, they can be a good source of information when researching specific industries.
Online resources also include news websites, business blogs and social media. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter can be an effective way to share news with a large audience, while blogs allow for more personal, detailed reporting. Social media is a tool that can be leveraged for both marketing and business news purposes, as it allows for the instant sharing of information with a wide audience.
The Library of Congress has extensive business news sources, both domestic and international. While most general news sources will have some international coverage, a dedicated search using the Library Catalog or a subscription to a business news service such as Bloomberg is recommended for more focused research. A number of regional business news sites are available through paid subscriptions, with some offering metered access before requiring a full subscription. The best known is probably Business News Australia, which offers free registration and includes a complete article archive as well as daily podcasts, Mark My Words and At Close of Business. The site has a strong focus on Western Australian news, and subscribers can even have access to regional business news articles.