News is information about events that has just happened, information that has been reported for the first time or is being widely publicized. It may be controversial, of interest to a particular group or sector in society or of interest to the general readership. It is important to understand your audience when writing News because this will influence the tone and voice you use. It is also vital to know what topics will capture their attention and pique their interest.
An article should start with a captivating lead. In journalism jargon this is called the lede. The lead should be short and snappy, it should tell readers what the story is about in a way that makes them want to keep reading. It should also include the five Ws (who, what, where, when and why) to ensure readers have all of the information they need to make an informed decision.
Crime: Whether it is road traffic offences, break and enter, robbery or murder – these stories grab the headlines. Other crimes such as forgery, bribery or fraud are of less interest to the general public.
Money: How much is in the bank, how many taxes are paid, budget deficits or surpluses – these are all newsworthy items. Other types of money-related news include the wealth of celebrities and sportspeople, school fees, tax rises, food prices, compensation claims and employment issues.
It is always wise to have your work checked over by a colleague, particularly someone from outside the industry you are writing in. It is often difficult to spot your own spelling or grammatical mistakes and having another set of eyes on the work will help improve its quality.