Bulletin

A bulletin is a short official statement or public notice that informs readers or listeners about recent events, conditions, or policies. It can also refer to a periodical publication that provides news or updates within a group or organization.

The term derives from the French bulletin, meaning a brief note or record, and was adopted into English to describe concise, formal communications.

Bulletins appear in multiple forms. News bulletins are brief items broadcast by media outlets to convey current events. Organizational bulletins are internal notices issued by governments, corporations, or institutions to share announcements, reports, or schedules. Medical bulletins report the latest information on patient status or public health developments. School, community, or religious bulletins summarize events, policies, and activities. Bulletin boards, whether physical in public spaces or digital online platforms, function as places for posting notices for a community.

Key characteristics include conciseness, factual reporting, and timely updates. They are often dated and may provide essential contact information or instructions. The rise of digital communication has expanded the concept to online bulletins and electronic bulletin boards, enabling rapid dissemination to large audiences.

In practice, bulletins serve to inform, orient, or warn audiences and are designed for quick reading and immediate comprehension. Common examples include government health bulletins, newsroom news bulletins, and campus or corporate bulletins.