National news is news that covers issues and events that are relevant to the entire country. This can include national politics, economic news and major disasters. National news is usually reported by large media organizations such as CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC. In contrast, local news is focused on stories that are relevant to a single community or region.
The distinction between local and national news can have implications for civic engagement. For example, the decline of local newspapers has reduced public awareness about community affairs, potentially leading to a lack of interest in participating in local government and other community activities. In addition, national news channels often have more resources and reach than their smaller counterparts, which can lead to overemphasis on certain topics. This can cause the public to be well informed about national news but misinformed or uninformed about pressing local concerns.
The first nationwide cable TV news channel launched in 1980 with the CNN broadcast network, followed by FNN (now HLN) in 1982. The channel that eventually became Fox News Channel was created in 1989, and CNBC debuted two years later. Other cable news networks include Newsmax TV, CBSN, TheBlaze, RFD-TV and Cheddar. Newsy, a spinoff of CNN that launched in 2008, was acquired by The E. W. Scripps Company in 2017 and relaunched as the linear channel Scripps News on January 1, 2023. It is carried on the Altice USA-owned Optimum and Suddenlink cable systems and Charter Spectrum.