World news is a subfield of journalism that covers news from abroad and/or global subjects. For example, war coverage falls under world news (although it might be classified as national for the media of belligerent nations themselves). World news is also the type of reporting done by foreign correspondents and news agencies. News agencies typically prepare hard and feature articles that are sold in bulk to various news outlets, such as newspapers, radio and TV stations, as well as individuals, corporations and intelligence agencies. News reporters working abroad without a permanent contract with a particular news agency are called stringers.
The term world news was coined in the 17th century, when European courants (newspapers) began appearing, highlighting foreign news. At that time, most news was foreign, as nation-states had only just begun to emerge. As telecommunications advanced, it became easier for journalists to distribute world news. The advent of the telegraph, for instance, helped to spur the creation of the first major news agencies such as AP and Reuters.