News writing template

Here is a general news writing template that you can use as a guide:

I. Headline

• A concise and attention-grabbing title that summarizes the main point of the story
• Typically 5-7 words long

II. Lead

• A brief summary of the story that provides context and grabs the reader's attention
• Typically 1-2 paragraphs long
• Should include the most important information and key quotes

III. Body

• The main content of the story, providing more detail and context
• Typically 2-5 paragraphs long
• Should include:
  • Background information on the topic
  • Quotes from relevant sources (e.g. experts, officials, individuals affected by the story)
  • Facts and statistics to support the story
  • Any relevant visuals (e.g. photos, videos, infographics)

IV. Quotes

• Direct quotes from relevant sources, set off with quotation marks
• Should be used sparingly and only when necessary to add context or depth to the story
• Should be attributed to the source with a last name and title (e.g. "John Smith, CEO of XYZ Corporation")

V. Additional Information

• Any additional details or context that may be relevant to the story
• This could include:
  • Historical background on the topic
  • Relevant statistics or data
  • Quotes from other sources or experts

VI. Conclusion

• A summary of the main points of the story
• Typically 1-2 sentences long
• Should reiterate the main point of the story and provide a sense of closure

VII. Boilerplate

• A brief summary of the organization or individual being reported on
• Typically 1-2 sentences long
• Should include basic information such as name, title, and contact information

VIII. Contact Information

• Contact information for the reporter or news organization
• Typically includes:
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Website or social media handle

Here is an example of what a news story might look like using this template:

Headline: Local Business Owner Arrested for Fraud

Lead: A local business owner was arrested yesterday on charges of fraud, according to police. The owner of XYZ Corporation, John Smith, was taken into custody after an investigation revealed that he had been embezzling funds from the company.

Body: Smith, 45, was charged with one count of fraud and one count of theft. According to police, the investigation began several months ago after several employees reported suspicious activity to management. "We take allegations of fraud very seriously and are committed to ensuring that our community is safe and secure," said Police Chief Jane Doe.

Quotes: "I am innocent and will fight these charges," said Smith in a statement. "I have always been a law-abiding citizen and I am confident that the truth will come out."

Additional Information: XYZ Corporation is a local business that has been in operation for over 20 years. According to the company's website, it employs over 100 people and has annual revenues of over $1 million.

Conclusion: Smith is being held at the local jail pending a bail hearing. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Boilerplate: XYZ Corporation is a leading provider of [products/services] in the [industry] sector. For more information, please visit our website at [website URL].

Contact Information: For more information, please contact [reporter's name] at [phone number] or [email address].