News articles report on current events, focusing on verified facts in a succinct and structured format. They can be breaking stories that cover immediate developments, feature stories that explore a subject in depth, or investigative reports that uncover hidden truths or complexities. Each format serves a different purpose, but all share the same goal of informing readers with honesty and objectivity.
The most important information should appear at the top of your story, as the headline. A catchy lede grabs attention and explains what the article is about. Use the “tell a friend” strategy for your lede: What happened, in what time frame, who is affected, and why it matters. Follow the inverted pyramid format for the rest of your article: Featured information goes first, followed by supporting details and finally, the most important statistics or numbers.
To make your article as objective as possible, stick to verified facts and avoid opinionated language. If you have to include your opinion, use direct quotes from a source to convey it objectively. Also, remember that news articles are generally written in third person; however, if you must switch between first and second person, be consistent for the sake of clarity and appearance.
Be sure to include a nut graph at the end of your article that ties the key points of your story together. This is the last chance to engage your audience and give them a clear picture of why your story is significant.