In a time of rapid, breaking news, it’s important to keep readers informed with accurate, objective information. From a new story about a global disaster to an inspiring profile of a local champion, the goal of newswriting is to inform with clarity and brevity. From crafting a compelling lead to choosing the right photos, this guide is your resource for writing news articles that are engaging and informative.
Using AP style rules, this article provides a practical, production-oriented guide for news writers. It covers key newswriting topics like how to write a headline that grabs attention, how to use the inverted pyramid format, and how to avoid biased language and jargon. The article also offers tips for fact checking and a quick checklist of best practices.
A news bulletin is a brief spoken or written announcement broadcast on radio, television, or published as a short text item. It is often accompanied by onscreen graphics. News bulletins can range from short, brisk reports to a full-length newscast or documentary.
Whether on the radio or TV, a well-written news bulletin is critical for keeping people informed. Unlike fiction, where the writer can explore creativity and dive deep into analysis, news bulletins must be concise, clear, and focused on delivering essential information in an easily digestible way. News bulletins can include a lead with the most important facts (who, what, when, where, why, and how) or a more in-depth feature article on a particular topic.