Newsreels were short films that provided news and information to the public, typically shown in theaters before feature films. They became popular in the early 20th century, especially during the World War II era, as they offered a visual way to keep audiences informed about current events, politics, and social issues. These films usually lasted around 10 minutes and included a mix of footage, such as political speeches, sports highlights, and cultural events. Newsreels were produced by various companies, with notable ones being Pathé and Fox Movietone, and they played a significant role in shaping public perception of news before the rise of television.