A news update is a short article that reports recent developments on a subject. A news article should focus on delivering precise and verifiable facts, rather than personal opinions or speculations, and must be unbiased in tone. News articles typically cover world affairs, breaking news stories and events, legal cases, education or social issues, scientific breakthroughs, elections and sporting events. Writing in the style of a news update requires a strong knowledge of the topic, and adherence to best practices when it comes to research, editing and formatting.
When writing a news article, keep in mind that readers have limited time and are usually skimming before making a decision whether to read more. As such, the inverted pyramid structure is important to prioritize key information, answering the essential questions of who, what, when, where and why. Including expert quotes also adds credibility.
For digital articles, use visuals to break up long sections and keep the reader engaged. Ensure that your content is mobile-friendly, as it is increasingly the primary way people access news.
Begin with a brief lead, or lede, that articulates the main point of the story in a captivating way, such as with a dramatic anecdote or surprising fact. Then follow with a nut graph that clarifies the news event by providing answers to the essential questions of who, what, when, why and how, as well as placing the new development in context by explaining its significance.
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