Whether you’re an experienced journalist or just starting out, there are a few general rules that all news writers should follow. For example, never insert your own opinion into a story; instead, let the facts do the talking. If possible, interview multiple sources to get different perspectives on a topic. News Decoder Managing Director Maria Krasinski suggests this will help you create stories with a variety of angles that will appeal to readers.
A good news story starts with a lead. It should grab the attention of readers and explain why they should care about the subject at hand. It should also include the who, what, when and how of the story. For example, if you’re writing about a new rocket to space, the who might be the scientists working on it. Adding information about how the rocket is being used will add context and make your article more engaging.
Another element of a good news story is the nut paragraph, which summarizes the story in general terms. It’s a little like the headline — it should tell readers what the story is about in a few short sentences. This paragraph should also be accompanied by a photo or visual to keep readers engaged and informed.
When you write a news story, make sure to include a mobile-optimized version of the piece. This will improve your reader experience and also boost your search engine rankings, as Google favors mobile-friendly content. Adding images, video and infographics can also make your story more engaging and easier to read on small screens.