What term describes lighter, entertaining information about developments that are not critical?

The term that describes lighter, entertaining information about developments that are not critical is soft news. This type of news focuses on human interest stories, lifestyle pieces, celebrity news, and other content that is often more about entertainment than about urgent issues or events. Soft news connects with audiences emotionally or entertainingly, making it accessible and engaging.

In contrast, breaking news refers to urgent, immediate information about significant events that require a swift communication response. Hard news consists of factual reporting on significant issues like politics, economics, or natural disasters, focusing on accuracy and detail without embellishment or entertainment value. Investigative news involves in-depth reporting that uncovers hidden truth or addresses issues that are often underreported. Thus, soft news stands out as the correct term for light and entertaining content that does not carry the same weight as more serious news categories.