How to explain what is 'news'

DD1 asked me this morning in the car "why do they tell us that someone has been killed in the news?"

Going to be honest, it stumped me. All I could think of to say was "well other people may know that person and need to know they have died" to which she replied "but wouldn't their family and friends tell them?". She then asked about Jill Meagher, so I explained that she was missing first and that making it news, meant that there could have been a chance that she was found, but sadly in her case she was not.

So, why is news the news and how to explain that to a bright 7yo?

I have no idea but I tried explaining the radio to my 4 year old ds and why we could replay the songs etc. we explained that sometimes everybody at the same time needs to her things. We don't get to pick what is played. This led to talks if ads and the news headlines aswell. Definately tough. Good luck

Because a lot of important things happen in the world and the only way people in other parts of the world/state/country can find out about it is by having a "news bulletin" ???

Thanks ladies!

Had a chat to a guy who used to work in media. He just said "Good new does sell". Which then only leads to the whole thing of why we as people are interested in tragedy. Might leave it now till she asks again.