Breaking news is any event that’s developing or has just happened, like a plane crash, fire, or severe weather. These stories are typically the most urgent, and media outlets compete to be first to report them. But the most important thing is to tell the story accurately. In the past, breaking news was often reported through a short segment on TV or radio called a “cut-in” that interrupted regular programming. Now, most major news channels have 24-hour coverage and use alert crawls that can be placed in between segments.
A great way to capture a story’s impact is by using quotes. These add credibility and help readers understand the event’s significance. Always cite your sources and follow AP style when using quotes.
Writing a good lead
A punchy opening paragraph captures the story’s key elements and sets the tone for the article. This is a crucial step in drawing readers in and establishing reader expectations.
The news story itself is often structured according to an inverted pyramid – the most important information (who, what, when, where) is positioned at the top of the headline. The rest of the story is a chronology, presenting the facts of the event in order of importance and urgency.
To craft an effective news article, consider your audience’s needs and wants. Match your writing style to the topic – for example, a hard news story about a crime calls for a direct, fact-focused approach, while a human interest piece on a local bakery might be more compelling with a more narrative opening.