noun
news source; news topic; story material
Refers to the raw material, event, or tip that becomes a news article. Used in journalistic contexts.
記者は新聞種を探して街を歩いた。
The reporter walked around town looking for a news story.
そのスキャンダルは格好の新聞種になった。
The scandal became perfect material for a news article.
Refers to the finished article itself, while 新聞種 is the raw material or topic before it becomes an article.
Compound of 新聞 (newspaper) and 種 (seed, source, material). The 種 here carries the meaning of 'raw material' or 'source'.