Breaking news is an important story that has not been previously reported on or published in a newspaper or online. This kind of news can be anything from a fire to an accident to a political scandal. The key to writing a breaking news article is to accurately relate the essential information in a way that grabs reader attention.
A good news story begins with a strong lede, also known as the “nut graph” – a brief paragraph that answers the essential questions of who, what, when, where and why. It also explains why the news is important to readers.
Once the lede has grabbed reader attention, the rest of the article can expand on the key points using quotes, descriptive scenes and background information. It is important to always include the source of any information in a story – whether it’s from an interview, court documents, statistics or even paraphrasing another person’s words. It’s a critical part of professional journalism that builds trust with readers.
Different types of stories require different lead styles – hard news about a crime may need a straightforward, fact-focused opening, while a feature on a local festival might be more interesting with a more narrative and scene-setting approach. The best writers are able to adapt their style to the needs of their audience. Studying how established news outlets handle similar stories is an excellent way to learn the basics and develop your own reporting instincts.