News is information about important events in people’s lives. It can be about politics, economics, science and culture. People often get their news from newspapers, radio, television and the internet. People want to be informed so they can make better decisions. They also want to feel that they are part of the world around them. The news they consume can have a positive or negative effect on their mood.
News usually focuses on people, because human activities are more interesting and significant than non-human events. But what is considered newsworthy in one society may not be in another. For example, a new insect that is destroying crops might not be newsworthy in Africa, but it could be in Australia where it might threaten food security.
What makes a story newsworthy is its unusualness, significance, timeliness and being about people. People are interested in stories about famous people, especially those who have a lot of power or wealth. They are also interested in people who fall from grace, lose money or have other problems.
The key to writing good news articles is knowing your audience. News articles are written primarily for mass appeal, but they can also be targeted at a specific demographic. This demographic can be as broad as a region, as in the case of local or community newspapers, or as narrow as a particular interest group, such as people who have children. The target demographic can also be based on the subject of an article, such as education, commercial real estate or crime.
It is important to verify information and check claims before sharing a news story on social media or recommending it to a friend. When possible, open a second tab and use it to search for claims, author credentials and organizations. It is also a good idea to look up the story on fact-checking websites.
A good news article will explain all sides of an issue, and include details that might not be widely known. It should avoid being overly emotional or sensational. It should be complete and accurate. Some examples of good news outlets are VOX, Refinery29, the Skimm and Flare’s Explainer series.
Writing a news article requires attention to detail and a style that is easy to read. It is a good idea to read other news articles for ideas about how to write your own, and to watch news stations or shows to learn how journalists present the news. Using the inverted pyramid format, where the most important information is presented first, can help readers to engage with your article and keep them reading. Creating a hook at the beginning of your article is also a good way to encourage readers to continue. A strong ending to your article is also important, and can be a restatement of the leading statement (thesis) or a statement about potential future developments. This will encourage the reader to stay tuned for more news about your subject.