How to write a news brief

A news brief, also known as a news summary or news wire, is a concise report that summarizes the main points of a news story. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a news brief:

  1. Identify the main story: Choose a news story that is relevant, timely, and of interest to your audience.
  2. Read and understand the story: Read the original news article, press release, or other source material to understand the key points of the story.
  3. Determine the most important information: Identify the most critical details of the story, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how.
  4. Write a clear and concise headline: Craft a headline that accurately summarizes the story and grabs the reader's attention.
  5. Write the news brief: Use the following structure to write your news brief:
    • Lead sentence: Start with a brief summary of the story, including the most important information.
    • Key details: Provide additional details that support the lead sentence, including quotes, statistics, or other relevant information.
    • Context: Add context to help readers understand the significance of the story, including background information or relevant facts.
    • Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the story and reiterate the importance of the news.
  6. Keep it concise: Aim for a length of 100-150 words or less. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse readers.
  7. Use a formal tone: Write in a professional and objective tone, avoiding bias or emotional language.
  8. Include relevant details: Add relevant details such as dates, times, locations, and names of people involved.
  9. Proofread and edit: Review your news brief for accuracy, clarity, and grammar before publishing.

Here's an example of a news brief:

Headline: New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Climate Change

Lead sentence: A recent study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global temperatures are expected to rise by 2.5°C by 2050 if immediate action is not taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key details: The study, which analyzed data from 1850 to 2019, found that the past four decades have been the warmest on record. The IPCC also warned that the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic, including more frequent natural disasters, sea-level rise, and food and water shortages.

Context: Climate change is a pressing global issue, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human health. The IPCC's report is a wake-up call for governments and individuals to take immediate action to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

Conclusion: The IPCC's warning is a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is essential that we work together to reduce emissions and mitigate the worst impacts of this global crisis.

Remember to tailor your news brief to your audience and the purpose of your publication.