What does newsmen mean?
Newsmen is the plural form of newsman, traditionally meaning male journalists who collect information and report the news through newspapers, news agencies, radio, or television. The word has long been associated with press galleries, interviews, and the daily reporting of current events, although its use is now somewhat dated. Its explicitly gendered form distinguishes it from the more inclusive “journalists” or “newspeople,” and contemporary publications often avoid it when referring to both women and men. Despite this limitation, newsmen remains readily understood in older writing, archival material, and broadcast contexts, especially when the gender of the reporters is relevant or historically significant.
plural nounNewsmen are male journalists who report news, especially for newspapers, news agencies, radio, or television.
- Male journalists who gather, report, or present news.
"The newsmen interviewed witnesses before filing their reports."
"Several newsmen covered the negotiations outside the courthouse."
"The documentary portrays the newsmen who reported on the conflict."
The standard plural of newsman. As the headword is already plural, it normally takes a plural verb; in formal usage, “newspeople” may be preferred as a gender-neutral alternative.
"The newsmen reported that the talks were continuing."
Though often used in older broadcast language, “newsmen” remains a familiar and gender-specific term for journalists who bring the day's events to the public.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of newsmen
The word derives from newsman, a compound formed from news and the occupational suffix -man. “News” itself developed in the early 15th century from the adjective “new,” originally referring to new or noteworthy tidings. The related form “newsman” became established during the 19th century, when newspapers and the professional reporting of current affairs expanded.
Related word forms
How newsmen is actually used
The term is now somewhat dated and gender-specific. In contemporary professional contexts, “journalists” or “newspeople” is usually preferred, and “newsmen” may be perceived as excluding women.
Easily confused with newsmen
Newsmen specifically refers to male journalists, while newspeople includes journalists of any gender.