News is information about current events, often in a timely manner. It can come from many sources, including people, television and radio programs, newspapers, magazines and the internet. The goal of news is to inform readers, listeners or viewers. It is not to entertain them, although sometimes it can do that as well – music and drama on the radio, for instance; crosswords in the newspaper. Entertainment comes from other areas of the media – TV shows and movies, for example.
A good news story meets a few criteria: it must be new, interesting, significant and about people. It must also be fairly and honestly reported. And it must have an impact on the audience. A coup d’etat in your neighboring country, for example, is a big news story that affects everyone in the region. But a bug biting your tomato plants is not nearly as important.
Choosing the best source for your article is also critical. You want to find a credible source with a strong background in the topic. It should be someone who can offer insight or analysis, such as a technical expert. It should also be someone with whom your audience is likely to connect – an everyday person who can tell an anecdote or explain how the news impacts them personally.
If the source is reputable, you’re ready to write the news story. Start with a snappy headline that concisely informs the reader of the news topic while seizing their interest. Then draft your article using the inverted pyramid structure.