Business news is a type of journalism that focuses on the commercial activities of companies and organizations. This news can include information about mergers, acquisitions, financial results, stock market updates and management changes. This news is typically published in newspapers, magazines and online. It can also be broadcasted on television or radio.
The term “business” refers to any entity that seeks profit through a product or service. This includes companies, non-profits and even individuals with side hustles. While most businesses are structured as for-profit entities, that is, they aim to return profit to shareholders, this is not a requirement. An entity can be a business simply by seeking to profit from activity, whether that is through selling products or services, investing in other businesses, or even bartering goods and services.
Generally speaking, businesses can be divided into three categories: service businesses, manufacturing businesses and retail businesses. Each of these types has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from other businesses. The most important characteristic is the intent to profit from activity, whether it is through direct sales or indirect investment and service provision. The term “profit” is not necessarily tied to cash payments, and can encompass other forms of value such as cryptocurrency or in-kind exchanges such as trade shows and networking events.
A business can be large or small, and it may be privately owned or publicly traded. Larger businesses are often referred to as public corporations, while smaller businesses are commonly called private enterprises. A key distinction between public and private enterprises is that a publicly-held corporation is required to meet certain regulatory and reporting requirements. This is in contrast to private companies, which are not required to do so.
The Library of Congress has many resources for business news research. This guide covers general topics, but you should consult specific resources for more specialized research needs. In particular, you should check out the list of business publications available in our print and microform collections. Additionally, you can ask a librarian for more assistance. For general help, contact our Reference Desk for tips and research strategies, or fill out our Ask-a-Librarian form. This is the best way to get in touch with a live person and receive quick, personalized answers to your questions.