News is information of a current or recent nature that is broadcast on TV or radio, published in newspapers and magazines or posted on the Internet. The purpose of news is to inform, educate and amuse the readers or listeners. Entertainment comes from other areas such as music and drama on the radio or crosswords and cartoons in newspapers.
What is newsworthy will differ from society to society. Generally, however, events which are new and unusual will make news. Events of interest to most people include crime (road traffic offences, burglaries, forgeries and murder), money – fortunes made and lost, school fees, tax rises and the Budget, food prices, wage rises and compensation claims. People are also interested in what famous people do and say.
When reporting news it is important not to put the reporter’s opinion into the article. Instead let the subject of the story do the talking if possible. It is also important to cite sources for your facts and opinions. This includes direct quotes from the person being interviewed as well as quoting government or other official statements.
When writing a news article think of it like an upside down pyramid with the key points at the top. This will give the reader a sense of what is important in the story without reading the whole thing. The next section of the news article should contain more detail, with less important details following that. When the article is finished it should end with a summary paragraph or the byline (your name). This will give the reader a quick overview of what the article is about.