A news update does what it says on the tin – updates readers about new developments on an ongoing story. Breaking news, stories of massive significance to a particular audience and reports from the field are examples of this type of article. In print newspapers and magazines, these are often arranged in sections called columns but when published online, they can be presented more fluidly.
A good news update starts with a strong lead that succinctly and clearly states the main point of the piece. This should answer the key questions: who, what, when, where and why. The lead should be the most important part of your news story as it will catch people’s attention and encourage them to continue reading.
The body of a news update will explain what happened in more detail. It’s also an opportunity to share any additional facts that may be relevant and help readers better understand the issue. This section can be written in a variety of styles. For example, an in-depth piece may contain interviews with individuals who were affected by a certain event while a straight news article will typically include hard statistics and quotes from relevant sources.
When writing a news update, be sure to avoid including your own opinions. Unless you are an expert on the subject, it’s best to stick to factual information and leave personal bias out of your article. If possible, run your news article by a colleague or editor to get their feedback. They can offer valuable insight into how to improve your writing and help ensure that your article is unbiased and informative.
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