News is information about events that is relevant to a given audience. It can be delivered to an audience via a variety of media, including print, radio, television, and the internet. News is a highly valued commodity for many people, and it is considered to be an important part of a democracy. In the age of social media and rapid information dissemination, it has become more important than ever to filter out the noise and find quality news sources.
A news story is usually a short article or a segment of a larger publication that provides an overview of current events. It can be a simple story about an interesting event or it may be a more complex account of a particular issue. News stories are often a mix of fact and opinion, and they should provide sufficient information for readers to form their own opinions on the subject. The goal is to engage the reader and make them want to learn more about the subject.
An effective news story should begin with a strong hook that is directly related to the main point of the article. This is known as the lede and it should be a dramatic anecdote, a surprising fact or a breaking news update. The leading paragraph should also include the “nut graph” which explains what is happening, why it matters and why readers should care. This section can be one paragraph or several and should answer the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why.
The lead should be followed by a summary of the key points and a conclusion that restates the main point of the article. It is also a good idea to include a timeline of relevant events and a list of sources. Lastly, a news article should have a clear and engaging title.
Developing news stories are those that are new, unusual, interesting, significant and about people. They can be about a person or a group and they can be positive or negative. News articles about these developments will be updated as more information becomes available. For example, shortly after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida few news articles were available about the event but that quickly changed as more details became known.
While some experts have offered theories about what makes newsworthy, it is ultimately up to the individual news organization to decide which stories they will cover. This is especially true when it comes to deciding what will appear on the front page of a newspaper or on the top of a television broadcast. Despite the proliferation of digital technologies, traditional media remain the most widely used source for news for Americans. This is particularly true among younger generations.