News is current information about events that affect people. It is usually reported through print and electronic media. It can be about politics, business, sports, entertainment, weather or other things going on in the world. News is not always factual and can be biased or misleading. It is important to have a second set of eyes look over any news article before it is published.
What constitutes news varies by society and culture. For example, in some societies a bug infestation may be newsworthy while in others it may not. The same is true for different viewpoints on an issue. If a peasant farmer says the Roman Catholic Church should ordain women priests, it is not newsworthy; however, if an archbishop does, it could be.
In news writing, it is important to start with the most relevant and important facts first. This is called a lede in journalism jargon. Then follow that with any additional or supporting facts that help to round out the story. It is also a good idea to include contact information and/or any quotes from interviews. This is especially important for local news articles.
The most common topics for news stories are war, government, business, health, sports, education and weather. Some examples of other topics are celebrities, fashion, religion, crime, art and technology. News articles can be positive or negative in tone, but they should always be interesting and informative.
It is important to know who your audience is when creating a news article. News articles are typically geared toward a specific demographic, and this is often based on location. For example, a newspaper in Kansas City would be geared toward readers living in that area. Other factors that can influence the news article’s target demographic include subject matter, location and time of publication.
When writing a news article, it is helpful to think of it as an inverted pyramid. The most important information is at the top of the pyramid, or in the first paragraph of the article. This helps to draw in readers and make them want to continue reading. Also, it is helpful to read other news articles or watch news stations and shows for ideas about how to structure a news article. It is important to always check the facts when writing a news article, because incorrect information can quickly discredit the entire piece. Also, it is a good idea to have someone else proofread the article before it is published, as sloppy spelling and grammar can be embarrassing for readers. It is also a good idea to avoid using abbreviations or nicknames when referencing individuals. It is much more readable to use the person’s full name or first and last initials. This will avoid any confusion for the reader and make them feel like they are getting a well-rounded view of the situation. It is also a good idea to use a formal style when writing news articles. This will help to avoid the perception that the article is a personal attack.