How to Write a Good News Update

A news update is an article that shares new developments in an event or story. It can be published in a newspaper, magazine or online. A good news update should include the details of what happened, including who and when, as well as why it’s important. It should also give readers some background information and any relevant statistics. You can add quotes from witnesses and experts, but keep them brief. You should also avoid adding your own opinions to the piece.

Begin the story with a hook, such as a dramatic anecdote or surprising fact. This is often called the lede. It should answer the 5Ws and 1H (who, what, when, where and why). Then provide the nut graph – the key facts of the story – in a short paragraph. This should be followed by the body of the article, which provides additional details, background information and any expert opinions and statistics. The body of the story should follow the inverted pyramid format, with the most important information at the top, then more detailed information and less important facts towards the end.

Whether the story is about a local school event or the death of a world leader, it should be written objectively without any personal bias. This can be difficult for some writers, but it’s vital for maintaining credibility. If you’re unsure about your objectivity, let someone else read the draft and check it for errors. They can also offer valuable feedback on the tone and style of your writing.