News is information about events that have happened, is happening or will happen. It can be reported in print (newspapers, magazines, radio) and in broadcast (television and radio). It is important to know what makes a story newsworthy in order to write an effective newspaper article or radio or television newscast. This knowledge will help you decide what topics to cover and how to present them. It will also help you write a headline that will capture readers’ attention and keep them reading or listening.
The classic definition of news is that it is new, unusual, interesting and significant. However, the meaning of “unusual” will differ from society to society. For example, if dogs are eaten in your society then a man biting one will probably not be newsworthy; however, if the bite results in a death, it will be. In addition, what is interesting and significant to one person may not be in the least bit important to another.
A good news story must grab the reader’s interest and hold it all the way through the article. Often this is accomplished through a short, snappy headline that gives the main points of the story in a catchy way. It can also be done through a lead paragraph that summarises the story and gets the reader’s attention. The traditional news introductory paragraph is known as the inverted pyramid, in which the most important information is placed at the top of the story with more background and detail following below.
Once you have captured the attention of your reader, the rest of the story should follow in a logical manner that allows the reader to understand and appreciate the importance of the event or situation being covered. A well written news story should include facts from your research and quotes from people involved in the event or situation. However, you should not be too biased and put your own opinions into the story, which are better left for editorials.
It is important to remember that the purpose of news media such as newspapers, magazines and radio is to inform and educate your audience. If your audience is entertained by your news report then they have chosen to be entertained – music and drama programs on radio; cartoons and crosswords in newspapers – rather than being informed and educated.