News is a short, timely account of an interesting, significant or unusual event. It usually comes in the form of a newspaper article but it can also be found on the radio, television or Internet. In addition to the main facts of a story, news articles often include background information and a summary of the issues involved. The main purpose of news is to inform and educate. However, it can also entertain. Whether the entertainment comes in the form of music and drama programmes on the radio, theatre or cinema; or in newspapers through cartoons and crosswords, it is an important part of news.
When writing a news article it is important to know your audience. This will determine the tone, style and phrasing used. It will also help you decide what is important to include in the story. It is also helpful to be aware of the cultural context in which the event takes place as this can give a sense of the significance of the news to an outsider.
A good headline is essential and can be a big factor in attracting readers. It is also important to get all the key information in the first paragraph. In journalism jargon this is called the lede. This should be exciting and create a curiosity about what is to follow. In order to achieve this it is useful to consider what the reader will want to know about the subject before starting to write the article.
Once you have your lede in place, the next paragraph should provide the most important and relevant details about the event. The information should be presented in a logical way and the reader should be able to understand what is happening and why it is important.
Following on from the main points of your story you can then add any other information that is important to your audience. This may include additional facts about the topic, quotes from people who have knowledge of the situation or statements from authorities. You can also use this space to state your opinion about the matter if you wish.
When quoting someone in your news article it is important to make sure that you are using the correct name. It is also necessary to cite the source of any information you have gathered. For example, you should cite the source of any interviews you have conducted with people involved in the story. You should also cite the source of any statistical information you have provided.
A good news story can be informative, entertaining and stimulating, but it must always be true. In addition, it must be accurate and well written. It is difficult to proofread one’s own work so it is a good idea to have a second pair of eyes look over the finished product. It is also a good idea to check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.