General rules of news writing

Here are some general rules of news writing:

  1. Accuracy: Verify facts and information before writing. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and fairness in reporting.
  2. Objectivity: Report the news without bias or personal opinion. Stick to the facts and avoid sensationalism.
  3. Clarity: Use simple, concise language to convey complex information. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary.
  4. Concise: Keep sentences short and to the point. Aim for an average sentence length of 15-20 words.
  5. Active voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice. It makes writing more engaging and easier to read.
  6. Clear headlines: Write headlines that accurately summarize the story and grab the reader's attention.
  7. Lead: The lead (or lede) should be attention-grabbing, concise, and provide the main point of the story.
  8. Use quotes: Use quotes from sources to add depth and context to the story. Ensure quotes are accurate and attributed to the correct person.
  9. Use transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to connect ideas and paragraphs.
  10. Fact-check: Verify facts and information before publishing. Check for accuracy, consistency, and fairness.
  11. Use AP style: Follow the Associated Press (AP) style guide for consistency in formatting, punctuation, and grammar.
  12. Use inverted pyramid: Structure the story in an inverted pyramid, with the most important information first.
  13. Use active verbs: Use active verbs instead of passive verbs. They make writing more engaging and easier to read.
  14. Avoid clichés: Avoid using overused phrases and clichés. Instead, use fresh and original language.
  15. Use specific details: Use specific details and examples to illustrate a point or make the story more engaging.
  16. Use subheads: Use subheads to break up long blocks of text and provide a clear structure to the story.
  17. Use attribution: Attribute quotes and information to the correct sources. Use phrases like "according to" or "said" to indicate the source.
  18. Use concise summaries: Use concise summaries or teasers to provide a brief overview of the story.
  19. Use photos and multimedia: Use photos, videos, and other multimedia elements to enhance the story and provide additional context.
  20. Edit and proofread: Edit and proofread the story carefully to ensure accuracy, clarity, and grammar.

Remember, these rules are guidelines, and the specific style and tone of your news writing may vary depending on the publication, audience, and context.