What Is a News Outlet?

A news outlet is where people go to learn about the world around them. They find out what’s happening in politics, culture, and tech. Some are old-school names, like ABC News or the Washington Post, that have long been staples in TV and print. Others are rethinking how they do things, embracing new platforms and ways to deliver news.

NPR is where lots of people go for news that’s calm, thoughtful, and digs deeper than the usual headlines. They launched in 1970 with a mission to tell meaningful stories and give listeners real context, and they’ve built up huge audiences with shows like Code Switch and Tiny Desk Concerts. They’re a nonprofit, so they don’t need to chase ratings or ad money and can focus on building trust.

Politico is a big name in politics, covering the world of policy and power with speed and depth. They’re especially known for their coverage of lobbying and government scandals. They’re also one of the top 100 websites in the world, and they’re boosting their reach on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

AP doesn’t just report the news—they build the entire system that lets other outlets report on it too. Thousands of media companies and clients, from schools to finance platforms, tap into their text, video, photos, and data to get the story straight from the source. As they look to keep up with what people want in 2025, they’re expanding their reach to places like TikTok and YouTube, focusing on international news, and delivering news in ways that are easy to consume and share.