News articles present the facts in a concise, structured format. They prioritize delivering verified information in a timely manner, from breaking stories about fast-developing events to uplifting profiles of local champions. The most important elements of a news article are the headline, lead, and body.
In a news article, the headline captures attention and tells the reader what the story is about. It should contain a key fact that makes the story interesting or a question that readers want to answer. It should also include a clear and specific subject. Headlines are also often shortened for a quick scan. Whether it’s online or in print, a good headline can make or break the newsworthiness of an article.
The lede of a news article answers the “Five W’s” in a specific order: who, what, when, where, and why. It’s best to write a lead as though you were telling your friend the story, using simple language and focusing on the most important points.
Once you have a compelling lede, the rest of the news article provides supporting details and context. If you have quotes from experts or witnesses, use them to add credibility and perspective.
All facts in a news article should be sourced. That means indicating where the reporter got their information. Generally, this will be through an interview with a source, but it can also include a document like a police report or Census data. When citing names or numbers, try to avoid using abbreviations such as Mr. or Mrs. If you do, be sure to spell out full first names and initials for readability. Lastly, stick to third person for objectivity.
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