I really like long form true crime stories, which are often between a news report and a novella - the writing is typically not as dry as a pure news report, but also carefuly worded as is a novel.
I read fairly widely, but this format suits me when I have limited time, eg travel on a train or bus - and of course it is usually online, so easily accessible.
Another vote for “which novel and which daily news source?”
Novels can be Harlequin Romance or 1984. Daily news can be in-depth articles in the NYT or Fox headlines.
I have read some crap novels and some challenging to comprehend and meaningful news articles that required lots of focus.
Still most self described “bookworms” are reading better quality literature and the average news reader is scanning the headlines on their phone, falling for clickbait. So there’s that.
Frankly, I think the two aren’t comparable. News, in my opinion, isn’t “literature:” it’s journalism. Does that make it less valuable? No, but news and novels both being print media does not mean we can just lump them in together. Apples to oranges and all that.
Honestly I see the comparison more between stream a movie, reading a novel, or reading some nonfiction book. Each of them are options when I have an hour and a half or more to kill but poorly matched for picking up and killing ten minutes between other things. News articles (other than the rare long form one) are snacks while multitasking. And for me are intermixed with snacking by playing here. For others it’s Tik Tok or other phone based fast food for the mind.
I think a lot depends on the level and quality of writing.
Fiction is good for all the reasons already described - imagination, empathy, etc.
But I also think reading a thoughtful, well written, substantial article is also important for understanding complex real world issues.
Click-baity internet news? I don’t see how short factually questionable blurbs designed to capture your attention through inducing rage provides any benefit to anyone