News is current information about events, people or things. It usually focuses on significant or unusual happenings that are of interest to the general public. Often news is about important political, social and economic issues. However, it can also be about entertainment or leisure activities. News is widely available through television, radio, newspapers and the internet. The internet has changed how and where we get our news. It has allowed many people to become their own suppliers of news, giving rise to the citizen journalist. It has also challenged the role of traditional media outlets as gatekeepers of news.
In order to write an effective news article it is necessary to think about your audience. Asking yourself questions such as who am I writing this for, what is my audience interested in, where is the audience from and why do they read my news article will help you structure your piece. It is also essential to know what makes your news unique and what makes it stand out from the rest.
The first paragraph of a news article should contain all of the main facts and a summary of what happened. Then follow it up with more details, quotes from interviews or additional information. This will give your reader a well rounded understanding of the topic and will allow you to transition into new points in your news article. Using a summary paragraph at the end of your news article can be useful as well. It can be a restatement of your leading statement or a prediction of future developments regarding the topic.
An interesting and informative news story will usually have elements of drama and consequence. For example, if a man walks to school past baby tigers, they are likely to be a cause for concern for the community and therefore will be newsworthy. In addition, if the same man is injured by a flying squirrel and has to be flown to hospital in an ambulance then this would also be newsworthy.
Other events that may be newsworthy include weather conditions and natural disasters, money matters – fortunes made or lost, salary increases or pay cuts, school fees and taxes, Budget issues, food prices and wages, the cost of living and compensation claims. It is also often interesting to hear about someone achieving something that they have always wanted, whether it is an Olympic medal or a job promotion.
Finally, it is worth noting that while news is primarily about factual information it can also be used to shape opinions and to influence public opinion. It is for this reason that it is so important to check all the facts before publishing a news article, whether it is professionally or for a class assignment. Providing reputable information will establish you as an authority in your field and will encourage readers to come back for more. Read other news articles for ideas on how to do this and watch news stations or shows for examples of how to wrap up a story with a good conclusion.