News is information about current events that have happened or will happen. It may be reported on TV, radio or in a newspaper. News can be either positive or negative but should be impartial, giving the reader all the facts they need to form their own opinion. A news article should also avoid using emotive language to sway the reader’s sentiments one way or another.
What makes news can vary by culture and society. In many countries, it is people who change the world, and it is their actions that make the news. However, natural disasters, environmental changes, wars and other global events can also be newsworthy. It is up to the writer to decide what parts of the news are most important and then tell the story of those elements in a way that is interesting and engaging.
A well written news article should answer the five Ws: Who, What, When, Where and Why. It should include supporting evidence from sources to give the story credibility, such as quotations from people involved and opinions of experts in the field. It should use the inverted pyramid style of writing, putting the most important information at the beginning of the article. This ensures the reader sees it and is likely to continue reading.
Writing a news article can be challenging, as it is not always easy to find interesting and accurate information. It is also not always easy to keep up with what is happening in the world, especially with the rapid pace of modern life. Some people will turn to the internet and social media for their news, while others will choose traditional means such as TV, radio or newspapers. It is important to strike a balance and remember that it can be harmful to mental health to load up on news, especially if the stories cause stress, anxiety or fatigue.
The purpose of news is to inform, educate and entertain. It should be unbiased and impartial, but it should also try to inspire action or raise awareness. News should never be dull, as it will lose the interest of the readers, listeners or viewers. Entertainment can come from other areas – music and drama on the radio, cartoons in newspapers or crosswords on TV.
Some things do not make news, even if they are new. For example, if a man gets up, has breakfast and takes the bus to work every day, that is not newsworthy. It is the unusual and unexpected that makes news. Crimes, for example, can be newsworthy if they are high-profile or involve a lot of money. However, ordinary crimes such as robbery and burglary rarely make the headlines. Other types of newsworthy information includes business news, stock market updates and sports news. However, it is essential to check the source of any news before sharing it on your social media accounts. It is best to look for outlets that specialise in ‘explainer’ journalism rather than reactionary, as these pieces often provide more nuance, context and accuracy than breaking news.