When people think of news, they often envision the black-and-white journalism in a major newspaper or the nightly recap on their television set. However, news content can have many purposes and can take a variety of forms.
Regardless of whether you’re creating a company news article or writing about an international event, knowing how to write compelling and engaging news is essential. News articles can entertain, inspire or educate readers and should answer the six key questions: who, what, when, where, why and how.
If you’re a newcomer to writing news, it can help to study how established outlets handle similar stories. Notice how they use story structure, word choice and source selection to craft compelling news articles. Also, seek feedback from seasoned journalists who can offer valuable perspective. Keep in mind that even veteran journalists continue to refine their skills and build confidence with each article they write.
A great story can hide in plain sight, so you’ll need to know how to spot it. For example, a city council meeting might seem boring until you discover how a zoning change will impact a neighborhood. Then you’ll have a story that’s relevant and meaningful to your readers.
In addition to the six critical questions, a good news article should include relevant images and videos. Adding visual elements keeps your audience engaged and can help break up long sections of text. Plus, using visuals makes your article more mobile-friendly. That’s important, because most people now read news on their phones and tablets.