The spelling of the word "news reel" is pronounced /njuːz ˈriːl/. The first part of the word, "news," is spelled with the letter "s" at the end despite being pronounced with a "z" sound. This is because the letter "s" is used to represent the plural form of the word. The second part of the word, "reel," is spelled with the letter "e" despite being pronounced like the word "real." This spelling is derived from the original meaning of "reel" as a spool or cylinder for holding film.
A news reel refers to a short documentary film or a segment of a film that contains a collection of news stories. It is a historical term that originated in the early 20th century, when newsreels were a popular form of visual journalism and a primary source of news for the general public. Newsreels were typically screened in movie theaters before the main feature presentation, providing audiences with up-to-date information and current events.
Newsreels often depicted a wide range of topics, covering both national and international news. They included political events, war coverage, sports highlights, cultural events, and other significant occurrences. These films were produced by news agencies or companies specializing in news, capturing real-life footage using cameras and later distributing the reels to theaters across the country.
Newsreels played a crucial role in disseminating information in a time when mass television broadcasting and the internet were yet to exist. They allowed people to stay informed on current affairs, providing a visual narrative that supplemented traditional print media. Newsreels were renowned for their objective reporting and unbiased portrayal of events, serving as an authoritative source of information.
As media and technology advanced, newsreels gradually lost popularity and became obsolete by the 1970s. However, their significance remains in understanding the social, political, and cultural climate of the time. Today, newsreels are commonly referenced in historical research, providing valuable insights into the past and the evolution of journalism.
The term news reel dates back to the early 20th century when news films were shown in theaters. The word reel refers to a spool or a cylinder upon which film is wound and displayed.
The word news comes from the Middle English newes, which was derived from the Old French nouvelles. Nouvelles originally meant new things and is the plural form of the Old French word nouvel, meaning new. This word ultimately traces back to the Latin word novellus, which also means new.