The Business Press
The business press is a broad category of media that covers news and information about companies, industries, and government regulation. It includes a variety of disparate sources, including national daily and weekly general business newspapers and magazines like the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Forbes, and Fortune; local and regional daily and weekly business sections found in most cities; and business tabloids (e.g., Crain’s New York Business) that cover the local companies in a given metropolitan area.
Thousands of trade magazines and newsletters are available that focus on one specific industry. These publications offer industry-specific news, marketing and public relations tips, industry events, and information about company and product launches. They are an important part of the business press and also often provide industry-specific advertising.
The business section of the local newspaper usually has articles on how the company is doing financially, news about recent hires and promotions, and times when the business club meets. These newspapers typically also have a special business section that includes editorial and advertising on a particular topic such as the environment or health care.
Businesses can be for-profit corporations, non-profit organizations, or both. They range in size from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations. Many of them sell their goods and services only to other businesses in their industry or a related one.
There are thousands of trade journals that focus on the day-to-day intricacies of an individual industry, such as real estate or advertising. They offer the latest industry news, tips on using the latest technology, and interviews with leading experts in the field.
Other areas of coverage include legislative action, job openings and industry sales. The trade press offers a more detailed view of business than most newspapers offer.
State business magazines are published by most states, often in conjunction with a larger news organization. They concentrate on in-depth features and articles about the economies of the companies based in that state, along with regular reports on governmental and regulatory news.
The Internet has transformed the business press, offering a more diverse range of news and information than ever before. It has also given rise to a new form of competition among traditional business publishers and technology-savvy Internet publications.
Some business journals are online only, while others have both an Internet and print edition. The electronic versions of the same publication may have different articles, editorials, and advertising. The Internet also enables business people to share information with other businesses worldwide.
The business press is an essential resource for company owners and managers, as well as other people involved in the operation of a business. It is the source of business news and marketing tips that help them keep up with their competitors.
A business press writer is someone who specializes in writing about specific topics that concern businesses, such as governmental regulation, corporate affairs, and new business ideas and strategies. It can be a rewarding and challenging career, as long as the writer is dedicated to delivering accurate, reliable news and information that is relevant to business professionals and their customers.