Breaking news is the immediate, fast-developing news that captures people’s attention. It typically involves major events like natural disasters, political upheavals, or war. Breaking news articles provide verified facts in a succinct, structured format. This ensures that readers get the most important information, even if they are skimming the article or have only a brief amount of time to read.
A good breaking news article begins with an interesting, relevant headline that piques curiosity and informs readers about what’s happening. It should be written without bias, and should cite sources to demonstrate credibility. Avoid inflated or misleading headlines that can erode reader trust. For example, “Bakery Solves Homelessness Crisis” is an engaging headline that piques interest but doesn’t overstate the impact.
The “nut graph” is the main body of the news article that provides the who, what, when, where, and why of the event. It’s also a chance for the writer to tell an interesting story that adds perspective to the news, or gives the reader more background on the issue. Often, the nut graph will follow a chronology of events as reported by various sources.
Thorough fact-checking is non-negotiable for professional journalism. Journalists should verify all claims through official records, data, and multiple sources. When accounts conflict, investigate to uncover the truth and be transparent about the limitations of data and research. This commitment to accuracy sets professional journalism apart and builds reader trust. If a story is based on witness statements or other uncorroborated sources, reporters must be willing to retract the story and apologize.