Hard news story format
Here is a sample hard news story in a standard format:
HEADLINE
SUBHEADLINE
DATE
LOCATION
BYLINE
LEAD
[Insert lead paragraph here, which should provide the most important information and grab the reader's attention]
BODY
[Insert additional paragraphs here, providing more details and context to support the lead]
QUOTES
[Insert quotes from relevant sources, such as experts, officials, or individuals affected by the story]
STATISTICS
[Insert relevant statistics or data to support the story]
CONCLUSION
[Insert a summary of the main points and a conclusion]
FOLLOW-UP
[Insert any additional information or next steps, such as upcoming events or further investigation]
CONTACT
[Insert contact information for the reporter or news organization]
Here is an example of what the story might look like:
HEADLINE
Fires Rage Through California Wildfires, Thousands Evacuated
SUBHEADLINE
Fast-moving blazes sweep through dry landscape, forcing thousands to flee their homes
DATE
August 15, 2023
LOCATION
California, USA
BYLINE
Emily Johnson
LEAD
A series of devastating wildfires swept through California on Tuesday, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fast-moving blazes, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have already burned through hundreds of acres of land and are expected to continue spreading.
BODY
The fires, which broke out in the early morning hours, quickly spread across the state, with multiple blazes reported in the northern, central, and southern regions. Emergency responders were quickly overwhelmed, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby towns.
QUOTES
"We're doing everything we can to contain the fires, but it's a tough fight," said California Governor Gavin Newsom. "We're urging everyone in the affected areas to follow evacuation orders and stay safe."
"I was woken up by the sound of sirens and saw flames licking at the windows of my house," said Maria Rodriguez, who was forced to evacuate her home in the town of Santa Rosa. "It was terrifying. I grabbed my kids and we got out as fast as we could."
STATISTICS
- Over 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes
- Hundreds of acres of land have been burned
- Multiple structures have been destroyed
CONCLUSION
The California wildfires are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the importance of taking action to mitigate its effects. As the state continues to battle the blazes, residents are left to pick up the pieces and wonder what the future holds.
FOLLOW-UP
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will hold a press conference later today to provide an update on the situation. Residents are advised to follow evacuation orders and stay tuned to local news for further updates.
CONTACT
Emily Johnson, [email protected], 555-555-5555