WRITING a news story is NOT actually that difficult once you know the basic rules. There is a basic formula that you need to know that once you have learnt, sophiazimmermann you can then tinker with it to suit your newspaper, magazine, or online publication.
The basic formula is simple:
A) The intro….
This should be no retroconsolas more than 25 words long, and contain a powerful opening sentence, with the MOST EMOTIVE NEWS ANGLE high at the top.It is important for the reader to be captivated at first by the intro to the story, and for the reader then to want to read on.
AN EXAMPLE OF A NEWS INTRO
THOUSANDS of cancer sufferers could be given a boost after a hugsy new DRUG has just been given the go ahead to be released on the NHS…
A news intro generally contains a problem/solution formula, where the problem is briefly highlighted, and then a solution is then briefly given.
B) KEY FACTS: SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS
They should contain MORE KEY FACTS of the optoki story such as WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW.
C) EMOTIVE QUOTES
In the fourth and fifth paragraphs, the reader should see a quote from the main source of the story. This must be COMMENT or OPINION, NOT FACTUAL QUOTE. For example, Mr Jones said; “This is disgraceful. They are ruining this road. They need to clean it up immediately.”
D) SECONDARY SOURCES
Secondary sources must be quoted in longer randygoodwin news pieces, to give balance to a story. For example, if you are writing about a new cancer drug on the market, you would speak to a variety of sources, including GP’s, patients, scientists, Drug companies etc. These sources can be QUOTED either directly or indirectly.
WHAT ARE DIRECT AND INDIRECT QUOTES?
Direct quotes are the ones in ” “. For example, Mr Jones said: “……………………………………”
Indirect quotes are where a reporter paraphrases what someone has told them. For example: Mr Jones said that it was an absolute disgrace that the council have failed to maintain the roads properly in the area.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE CONCLUSION AND FINAL PARAGRAPHS
NAMES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS, WEB ADDRESSES AND OTHER DETAILS SUCH AS WHO TO CALL should be given in the final paragraphs. Make sure to CHECK each number and web address is right.
