News is a form of communication that reports on current events. It may be a story about a new discovery or a major development in the world of science, politics, religion, sports, or social issues. News stories are usually written to inform and entertain the public.
Writing a news article requires careful thought and research to gather information that is accurate. It should also include a balanced and objective approach to the subject matter. The article should present both sides of an issue, and the writer should be able to write in a clear and concise manner.
A good start is to choose a topic that is timely and of interest to the reader. Then, research the five Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. Once you have the facts, begin to develop your story by deciding who to interview and what questions to ask. Remember, your audience is interested in the human side of a story, so be sure to incorporate quotes from those who are directly involved.
As you write, use the inverted pyramid format. Place the most important information in the first paragraphs, followed by less critical details. This ensures that the reader will be drawn in and will want to continue reading. Avoid using clichéd phrases and words, as these will detract from the credibility of your article. Also, don’t insert your own opinions into the story. Use the information that you have gathered to present the facts in an objective way.
In some societies, a small event might be more significant than in others. If a barn collapses, killing a cow but not a pig, the newsworthiness of this incident will vary depending upon each society’s priorities and values.
The internet has made it easier for people to share stories quickly, but this also means that fake or biased information can spread faster and to a larger audience. Be very cautious before sharing any news articles on your social media or forwarding them to your friends and family. It is best to read a few different sources and try to consider different points of view before sharing.
One of the easiest ways to find out about unreported or under-reported news is to look at the “special interest” pages in a newspaper. These are normally found near the back of the front half and are a treasure trove of interesting titbits. Another option is to visit websites such as Project Censored, founded by Carl Jensen at Sonoma State University in 1976. This website has an annual report on the most underreported news stories. It also has a searchable database. If you have access to a radio, you can listen to NPR, a US-based media organization founded in 1971 and focused on noncommercial broadcasting. It has a vast news archive that covers many topics, from politics to music and culture. It also offers podcasts on a variety of subjects.