News is information about important or significant events. It is broadcast on television, printed in newspapers or posted online. It can also be shouted out at a political rally or yelled across a classroom.
When writing a news article, it’s important to keep in mind that the piece needs to be factually accurate. But it should also be interesting and engaging to readers. Otherwise, the reader won’t bother to read the story or share it with others.
The best way to approach a news story is to first research the topic. Find out all the relevant facts about the event or issue at hand and write them down in an outline. This should include the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why. Then, source the details you’ve found and cite them. Citations are a necessary part of any academic or professional writing, and they are essential for any news article.
Once you have all the information you need, start outlining the article using the upside down pyramid format. Organize the facts you have in order of importance, and begin with the most important ones at the top. This way, readers will get the most pertinent information right away and be more likely to keep reading.
News stories are usually about people. However, they can also be about things that happen to people, such as natural disasters or wars. Usually, news stories are current and relate to events that have happened recently. However, older events can still be news if they are new to the audience.
Some people believe that marketing influences what is considered newsworthy, but others disagree. Jack Fuller, president and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, believes that while “market research may help journalists gauge what their audiences want to hear, it does not dictate what is considered newsworthy.”
A new and significant story can be news if it involves violence or scandal, is local, incorporates an unusual event and is timely. An assassination is unusual, significant and about people, but it can’t be news if the information about it has already been reported.
Another way to determine what’s newsworthy is by looking at who initiates the story. In a recent study of six major storylines, the researchers found that 63% were initiated by government officials, followed by interest groups and the press.
In the past, most news content was produced by newspapers and other print media. But now most of it is broadcast on television and the internet. Some of the most popular sites include CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.
Whether you’re writing for a newspaper or an online publication, the goal is to engage your audience and provide them with information they won’t find anywhere else. A snappy headline is essential, as is a clear and concise paragraph that explains the significance of the news item. If possible, add a quote or an opinion from someone involved in the event to give the story a personal touch.