News is information about current events. It may be reported by the media, written in newspapers or magazines, posted on the Internet, or broadcasted over radio or television. It may include reports on political, economic, cultural, or sporting events. It can also include personal stories or opinions. Journalists are expected to be objective, but many of them have an internal system of beliefs and prejudices that taint the way they see things. They may be tempered by the news values stressed by their profession, but they remain there nonetheless.
A good headline captures readers’ attention and piques their curiosity. It should be short and encapsulate the main point of the story. It is often a good idea to write it using Associated Press style guidelines (unless your publication specifies otherwise). The headline must grab the reader and be as accurate as possible.
The lead is the first paragraph of the article that provides a preview of the entire piece and includes many of the basic facts. It is best to put the most important information first so that people will read the whole article. This is especially important for online writing where it is common for readers to only read a few paragraphs before moving on to another article.
A good news article gives enough information so that a person can form their own opinion, even if it differs from your own. This is particularly important in the case of political or social issues. It is also a good idea to use quotes from experts in the field whenever possible to add credibility and bolster the validity of your news article.