News is a term used to describe information about current events or things happening, as reported by newspapers, websites, radio, television and other forms of media. It is an umbrella term that covers many different kinds of news stories, but it usually refers to reports of new events or developments that are unusual or significant.
How to Write News: Make it New, Unusual, Interesting, Significant and About People
If an event occurs that is new or unusual, or involves people in some way, it’s likely to be news. It can be an accident, a natural disaster, a political issue, a crime, or a social change that affects the way people live.
It can also be a significant development in a person’s life or work, such as a child’s walk to school or a baby tiger. This kind of story has a lot going for it, and is usually newsworthy because it evokes emotion.
The Basics of News: Timeliness, Drama, Consequence and Proximity
One of the first and most important factors in deciding what to include as news is timeliness. This is because news organizations rely on advertising revenue to pay for their staff and equipment, so they need to provide the latest information as quickly as possible to get maximum profit from their audience.
When writing a news story, be sure to begin with a strong lead that grabs and hooks the reader’s attention right away. Follow a chronological order and use a few compelling details in your first paragraphs to establish the story’s importance. Expand those key details, including a clear chronology of the event, to provide in-depth coverage and explain how it happened.