How to Write a Good News Story
News is a form of communication that reports on current events. It can be delivered via print, radio, television or the Internet. It is often considered to be the backbone of democracy because of its role in maintaining informed citizens and holding governments accountable for their actions.
A good news story will begin with a dramatic anecdote or surprising fact that grabs readers’ attention. This is called the lede and is vital to getting people to read the whole article. It should be followed by a brief summary of the news event, called the nut graph. This is usually one to two paragraphs and includes the answers to the questions who, what, when, where and why. The nut graph is also where a writer will explain how the new developments relate to the bigger picture.
The next step in writing a news story is researching the topic and gathering facts. It is important to note that while the information you gather can be from multiple sources, it is still your responsibility to verify the accuracy of the details. This is why it is important to use reputable sources when researching and citing your work.
When you are done researching, it is time to start putting your news story together. Remember that you will be competing with a wide range of other news outlets, and you want your article to stand out from the crowd. Consider adding a personal touch by incorporating quotes from the subject of your story. This can be done as you write or after your article is complete, and it will help to make the piece more relatable and interesting to readers.
Once your story is completed, it is important to proofread it thoroughly. This will help to ensure that your information is accurate and that the tone of the article matches the style of the newspaper you are targeting. Additionally, it is important to include a works cited page at the end of your article to provide credit to your sources.
Lastly, be sure that your news article has a strong conclusion. This can be a restatement of the leading statement or a prediction about what might happen in the future as a result of the new developments. It is also helpful to read other news articles or watch a few news stations or shows to get an idea of how they wrap up their stories.
While news is something that happens all the time, not everything is newsworthy. When a man gets up, has breakfast and takes the bus to work, that’s not news, because it is ordinary and everyday. But if the same man is caught on video stealing a prototype car from his employer, that’s newsworthy. This is because it affects many people in an unusual way. This is why it’s so crucial to have a free press; democracies depend on informed citizens and the ability of journalists to report the news.