Format for writing news
The format for writing news articles typically follows a standard structure, which includes:
- Headline: A concise and attention-grabbing title that summarizes the main point of the article.
- Lead (or Lede): A brief introduction that provides the most important information about the story, usually in the first paragraph.
- Body: The main content of the article, which provides more details and context about the story.
- Subheadings: Short headings that break up the body of the article and provide a summary of the main points.
- Quotes: Direct quotes from individuals involved in the story, which add depth and context.
- Statistics and facts: Relevant data and information that support the story.
- Conclusion: A summary of the main points and a final thought or call to action.
- Boilerplate: A brief summary of the organization or individual being reported on, usually at the end of the article.
Here's a more detailed outline:
I. Headline
- 8-12 words, concise and attention-grabbing
- Should summarize the main point of the article
II. Lead (Lede)
- 1-2 paragraphs, usually 50-100 words
- Provides the most important information about the story
- Should grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more
III. Body
- 2-5 paragraphs, usually 150-300 words
- Provides more details and context about the story
- Should include quotes, statistics, and facts to support the story
IV. Subheadings
- Short headings that break up the body of the article
- Should summarize the main points of each section
V. Quotes
- Direct quotes from individuals involved in the story
- Should be used sparingly and only when necessary
- Should be attributed to the individual quoted
VI. Statistics and Facts
- Relevant data and information that support the story
- Should be used to add depth and context to the article
VII. Conclusion
- 1-2 paragraphs, usually 50-100 words
- Summarizes the main points of the article
- Provides a final thought or call to action
VIII. Boilerplate
- A brief summary of the organization or individual being reported on
- Usually appears at the end of the article
IX. Additional Elements
- Photos: Visuals that support the story and add interest
- Videos: Multimedia elements that provide additional context
- Infographics: Visual representations of data and information
- Links: Hyperlinks to additional resources or related articles
Remember to always follow the style guide of your publication or organization, and to fact-check and verify all information before publishing.