This document defines the architecture of Netnews systems and specifies the correct manipulation and interpretation of Netnews articles by software that originates@ distributes@ stores@ and displays them. It addresses protocol issues that are independent of transport protocols such as the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) [RFC3977]@ and specifies the requirements Netnews places on those underlying transport protocols. It also specifies the handling of control messages. The format and syntax of Netnews articles are specified in [RFC5536]@ which should be read in conjunction with this document.