News is the term given to events, activities, people and things which are of interest or concern to the public. They can include information, opinion and comment on politics, social, sporting, cultural or economic issues. They may also be a cause for celebration or despair.
News stories must be new, interesting, significant or important. Those which are not can be reported but they will not be news. If an event has already happened it cannot be news, even if some facts about the event were unknown before.
Generally, news articles start with the most important or dramatic news in the headline (along with the byline of the writer) and then provide more detailed information as the article progresses. This format is called the inverted pyramid because the most important details are presented first.
The lead, which is written to grab attention and convey the main points of the story, is often based on information from a source such as a policeman, government minister or politician. This is because those with power and authority can give the article credibility. Other sources might include a victim, a witness or an expert.
It is often difficult to write a good lead or nut graph, but a good one can catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to continue reading. The rest of the story should provide more background or analysis, relying on key details and quotes from primary or secondary sources. The key to success is to provide enough information so that the reader can form an opinion, even if it contradicts your own.