A news flash is a quick piece of breaking news that interrupts radio or TV programming and updates listeners on current events. It can be local, national or international and is a great way to keep audiences informed about issues that directly affect them.
A good news flash starts with a strong, attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly reflects the story. It follows with a lead – also called the “flash” or “lede” – that fleshes out the headline, citing its sources and providing context. Next comes the nut graph, which ties the facts you introduced in the lead to a bigger picture to show their significance and direction. Finally, a brief quote from an expert or witness can add credibility and perspective to the article.
Since a newsflash is only about one to three minutes long, you need to skim over details and only focus on major events. As a result, you should always start with the most important information first, then add more detail as your audience needs it.
It is also helpful to use the technique of “show, don’t tell.” Instead of stating that Johnny ran up the hill, you can describe his aching legs and heavy breathing to create an image for your readers. It’s also best to stick to the third person when writing, unless you have compelling reason to switch to second or first. This avoids jarring your readers and maintains consistency and credibility throughout the article.