Basics of News Writing

Basics of News Writing – Quick Reference Notes

1. Core Principles

2. The Inverted Pyramid Structure

1. Lead (Lede) – 1‑2 sentences answering the 5 Ws + H.

   • Example: “A 7‑year‑old boy was rescued from the river yesterday after a sudden flood forced his family to evacuate.”

2. Nut Graf (optional but common in feature or explanatory pieces) – Brief paragraph that explains why the story matters.

3. Body – Details presented in descending order of importance:

   • Key facts, quotes, statistics, background, and context.
   • Each paragraph should stand alone if the article is cut off.

4. Tail – Lesser‑important information, related anecdotes, or future outlook.

Visual cue:

Lead → Most critical info
↓
Supporting facts & quotes
↓
Background & context
↓
Less critical details

3. Writing the Lead

Tips for a strong lead

• Start with the most newsworthy element.
• Use active voice.
• Include a verb that conveys action (e.g., announced, rescued, voted).
• Avoid “fluff” adjectives; keep it factual.

4. Gathering Information

1. Research

   • Check primary sources (official statements, public records).
   • Use reputable secondary sources (previous reports, expert analysis).

2. Interviews

   • Prepare a list of open‑ended questions.
   • Record (with permission) and take accurate notes.

3. Verification

   • Cross‑check facts with at least two independent sources.
   • Use fact‑checking tools (e.g., Snopes, FactCheck.org) for controversial claims.

4. Legal Check

   • Be aware of libel, defamation, and privacy laws.