What is a news story in journalism
In journalism, a news story is a written or broadcast report that informs the public about a specific event, issue, or development. News stories are typically based on factual information and are intended to provide readers or listeners with a clear understanding of what has happened, why it is important, and what it means to them.
A typical news story typically includes the following elements:
- Lead: A brief summary of the story, often known as the "lede" or "intro," which grabs the reader's attention and provides a sense of what the story is about.
- Background: Context and background information that helps readers understand the significance of the story.
- Who, what, where, when, and why: The basic facts of the story, including the people involved, the location, the date, and the reasons behind the event.
- Details: Additional information that provides more depth and detail about the story, such as quotes from sources, statistics, or expert opinions.
- Analysis: An interpretation of the story, including the significance of the event, its impact, and any implications or consequences.
- Conclusion: A summary of the main points and a final thought or call to action.
News stories can take many forms, including:
- Hard news: Straightforward reports on current events, such as breaking news, accidents, or natural disasters.
- Feature stories: In-depth reports on a specific topic or issue, often with a human interest angle.
- Investigative reporting: In-depth, research-based reporting on a specific issue or topic, often uncovering new information or exposing wrongdoing.
- Analysis and commentary: Opinion pieces or analysis of current events, often written by experts or columnists.
- Human interest stories: Reports on people's experiences, achievements, or struggles, often with a focus on their personal stories.
In journalism, news stories are typically written in a clear, concise, and objective style, with the goal of informing and engaging the audience.