What Is News?
News is information that was not known to others before it was published in a newspaper, magazine, radio or television programme. Usually, it is something that is new or unusual and that has a significant impact.
The definition of what is news can vary from society to society, and even within a single country. It might be a dog that bites a man, or it might be an earthquake. It could also be the price of a cup of coffee, or it might be the launch of a new brand of beer.
It is the presentation of news that helps people make sense of the world around them and understand how events affect us and our lives. In general, stories are selected if they have strong impact, incorporate violence and scandal, are familiar and local, and are timely.
Having decided what is news, the next step is to write it. The first thing to do is to research your topic extensively, ensuring that you have a full understanding of the subject. It is important to do this before you begin writing, so that your story is well-researched and logically constructed.
Once your article is ready to be submitted, it is important to have another set of eyes check it for accuracy and consistency in style and tone. A good editor will be able to look for spelling and grammar errors and help you to correct them as needed.
Your News Story
A good news story should have a clear lead, and follow that with a narrative that explains the events in chronological order. It should also have quotes from experts and sources that you vetted to give the reader an authentic, in-depth look at the news.
The news story should be written in active voice, not passive; use short, clear sentences and direct words that are easy to read. It should also be free of grammatical and punctuation errors and contain the most relevant, reliable information available to you.
A newspaper will typically give the biggest stories in detail at the top of the front page or on the inside pages, while lesser news is given less often and may be given on the side or in a section of the paper that is not as popular with readers. This is in line with the principles of news value as defined by Galtung and Ruge.