HTML allows text formatting and adding graphics, sound and video in web pages that any computer can read. It has two key features - hypertext that creates links to other pages, and universality meaning any computer can view a web page. Learning HTML helps journalists overcome technical fears and reinforces precise writing, as even a single incorrect character can break a web page. A web page consists of text content like headers and paragraphs, more complex elements like links and images, and markup that instructs how content is displayed. As a journalist, you don't need full HTML expertise but basic knowledge is helpful for working within content management systems used by most news sites.