How to Write Newsworthy Articles
The news is what happens in the world at this moment and it is the job of newspapers, magazines, radio and television to present it to their readers, listeners or viewers. The news should inform, educate and entertain but the entertainment can come from other areas – music and drama on the radio; cartoons in newspapers. The important thing is to have a balance and to make sure that the information you report is accurate and reliable.
To decide what is newsworthy it is necessary to consider the audience that you are writing for. This will help you format the article to best suit their needs and interests. Questions like, how old is the average reader of this publication, where are they located and why do they read the news will assist you in focusing your article on their needs.
It is also important to think about the subject matter that you are writing about. Is it an event that will impact a large number of people or something that is unique to a small group of individuals? The answer to this question will help you decide how much detail to include in your article.
A good headline for your story will attract readers and pique their interest. It should be short and clear and should contain the most important information about the news item. Then the reader should be able to decide whether they want to continue reading the article or not. The lead paragraph in a newspaper article is usually written by another member of the publication staff but this is an opportunity for you to create a title and an opening paragraph that will stand out from the rest.
Once you have the basics down it is time to write your story. Organize the facts into “buckets” based on their importance. The most important information should be given first in your article and the less important details can follow. This will ensure that the most important information is seen by your readers first and that they are informed as thoroughly as possible.
Lastly, be sure to include any significant quotes from individuals involved in the story. This will add a personal touch to your article and it will show the readers that you care about the news item and that you are trying to convey a message to your audience.
Once your article is complete you should proofread it for accuracy and to make sure that the information you are presenting is correct. Once you have proofread your article several times it should be ready to be published. This process may take some time so don’t rush it. If you are unsure about what information is important or not it is a good idea to contact the source of your information for confirmation. This way you can be sure that the information is unbiased and reflects the views of the source rather than your own opinions.