News is information about events, people or things that have occurred and are important or interesting. It can be broadcast on television, printed in newspapers or magazines, posted online or yelled across a classroom. It can be about world events, approaching storms or tragedy in your local area.
A news article needs to be accurate and informative but also engaging for the audience. It can be difficult to find the right balance between the two, but a well written story will catch attention and encourage readers to share it with others.
While it may seem obvious, a good headline is the key to catching reader’s attention and getting them to click. The inverted pyramid structure is a useful tool for creating a clear and concise article. Once the main body of the article is completed, remember to include a list of sources at the end of the article. This helps to avoid plagiarism and ensures that the source of the information has been vetted.
There are several websites which evaluate information sources for bias and confirmation bias. These sites can help to give writers a greater understanding of how their own personal views may influence the information they receive and provide suggestions for obtaining information outside of their own bubble.
It is generally accepted that a news article should be written in third person. However, if it is an interview with someone who is directly involved in the topic, first names and initials should be used. It is best to avoid jarring the audience by switching from first to second person and back again.