The news is a continuous flow of information about current events, both locally and internationally. It can be a major breaking story or a minor occurrence that piques interest and curiosity. News may be delivered via television, radio or a variety of print publications including newspapers, magazines and online. It is generally considered that the job of news is to inform and educate its readers, listeners or viewers. Entertainment can come from other sources – music and drama on radio and TV or crosswords, puzzles and comics in newspapers.
Developing a news article begins with choosing an interesting and compelling topic. It must be something that will pique the reader’s attention and maintain it throughout the article. A dramatic anecdote is often a good way to grab readers’ attention. Alternatively, it can be an important question that the news article seeks to answer. This section is commonly known as the “lede.”
To make an interesting and informative article, it is essential to provide a context for the topic. This is usually accomplished by listing the “who, what, when, where and why.” It is also helpful to include a quote or two from a source that has some connection or knowledge of the subject matter. A full first name and last initial should be used for all quotes. This is consistent with the rules of journalism, especially in the case where the person is being referred to as an expert or authority.
If the story is a local event or news item, it is necessary to include an area map or other graphic if appropriate. This will help readers to visualize the location of the event and better understand its relevance. It is also important to keep in mind the intended audience of the news article. For example, an article about a new medical breakthrough will likely be read by medical professionals and scientists. However, it is unlikely that it will be read by the general public.
While the five Ws are important for any news article, it is vital that the writer remember to add an “emotional component.” This could be in the form of an interesting and dramatic anecdote or a humanizing aspect. For example, a news story about an individual saving his or her life with a homemade tourniquet will be more captivating than a story that simply states that a man died from a car accident.
Another consideration in writing a news article is the use of jargon. While jargon is useful for communicating within an industry or organisation, it is important to be aware that it can create a barrier between those who do and don’t understand the language. It is important to avoid using jargon in news articles and to explain technical terms when appropriate.