Breaking news is urgent and developing news that captures the interest of readers due to its timeliness. This type of news often requires immediate reporting and can include any new information that may affect people or things in the world, such as a plane crash, tornado, or building fire. It can also refer to the practice of interrupting regular news broadcasts or online content to deliver breaking news updates, a common practice for 24-hour news channels.
When writing an article about breaking news, it’s important to focus on getting verified facts into a clear, concise format. This way, readers get the most important information even if they skim the article or don’t finish reading it.
It’s also essential to avoid speculating on breaking news stories, particularly those that involve a violent or chaotic event. For example, eyewitness accounts from a shooting can sound dramatic and persuasive, but they’re not always accurate. NPR’s erroneous report that Giffords died was based on one such account from a witness.
When in doubt, study the work of established journalists and pay attention to how they present their information. Their techniques can serve as a model for your own writing. And most importantly, keep practicing! Over time, your news judgment will sharpen and your ability to find interesting, compelling stories will grow. Different types of stories require a variety of lead styles, so experiment with different techniques. For instance, a story about a crime might use a direct, fact-focused opening, while an article about a local festival can open with a more descriptive scene-setting approach.
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