A national news story is one that covers a subject matter of national significance. It may be related to politics, economics, international relations or other matters of a global nature. A national news story often has more impact on the general public than a local one. It may also have a greater impact on the economy than a local story does.
A nationally-oriented story may be reported by a local newspaper or broadcast on a regional television network or radio station. It can also be reported by a national news agency that prepares hard and soft news stories for newspapers, broadcasters or other news outlets.
Historically, printed media was the primary method of conveying national news. The press would publish hard and soft news items that were either sent in by correspondents or gathered through local sources. These articles were then transmitted electronically via wire services or, later, by telegraph. They would then be printed in newspapers, magazines and sometimes broadcast over the radio and television.
In recent times, new technologies have revolutionized the way that news travels. Unlike the days when news traveled slowly from town to town and then to the rest of the world by telegraph, radio and television, national news can now be delivered instantaneously through satellite communication systems.
This shift in the way that news is distributed has fundamentally changed the way that audiences interact with and respond to news. It has also impacted the hierarchy of what is considered newsworthy, and how local versus national issues are prioritized in news reporting.