Breaking news is a topical story about an event that has just occurred or will occur soon. These stories often require the media to interrupt regular non-news programming and inform viewers of the new development. In addition to a headline and summary, breaking news articles include important details such as the five W’s and H: who, what, where, when, and why. This information is arranged in order of importance to ensure that readers get the most vital information first. Other aspects of a good breaking news article include using concise language to convey the main points, as well as ensuring that the content is factual and unbiased.
It is also important to remember that a good breaking news article should have an impact on the reader. For example, an article about an animal cruelty case may affect readers by highlighting the suffering of their favorite pets. In this way, breaking news is a public service, informing citizens of important events.
In terms of sourcing, journalists have many methods for finding and obtaining information. This includes interviewing sources, researching government documents, and observing events firsthand. It is also a good idea to confirm eyewitness accounts with authorities to avoid spreading false information.
Writing for breaking news is different from other types of journalism, as it requires the writer to use active verbs and evoke strong emotions in order to grab readers’ attention. The goal is to make the piece as interesting as possible, so try talking about it as if you were explaining it to a friend. This can help you come up with ideas for how to portray the story.