A news update provides readers with the most recent and important information about a story. The goal of a news update is to provide readers with factual information about an event or situation, without including any personal opinions or bias. Whether they are written for print, web or broadcast, all good news articles follow the same basic guidelines.
Begin with an interesting and compelling lede that clearly states the topic of the article. This is usually done by using a dramatic anecdote, a surprising fact or a quote from an expert. The lede should also include the basics – who, what, when, where and why the news is significant. The nut graph is the heart of your article, explaining what happened and why it’s significant. This section should also place the news in context, if appropriate.
Ensure the facts are correct by cross-verifying multiple sources. Interviews with subject matter experts and official documents help verify the accuracy of information and add credibility. Then, write the rest of the article with detail and clarity in mind. Use a clear structure that organizes information into distinct sections, and vary sentence length and paragraph length to keep the reader engaged.
Lastly, have a friend read the article and give feedback. This extra pair of eyes will help catch any errors and ensure that the article is understandable to the widest possible audience.