Breaking news is an event that happens immediately and is in the process of developing, such as a shooting or a fire. This type of news grabs readers’ attention because it is time sensitive and often urgent. It is usually reported via social media and can occur in any country or region. Breaking news articles should be focused on verified facts and should never contain personal opinions.
Writing a good breaking news story begins with an interesting hook. This is often a dramatic anecdote, a surprising fact or a key piece of information. The story should then quickly explain what happened and why it’s important to the reader. This is called the “nut graph.” It answers the questions of who, what, when, where and why and places the new developments in context by describing the bigger picture.
It is important to be accurate when reporting breaking news, especially if the reporter doesn’t witness the event firsthand. A simple mistake can quickly become a national embarrassment, as was the case when NPR posted an erroneous update on Twitter about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ injury, which was later proven to be incorrect.
The format of a breaking news article can vary, depending on the audience. Feature stories offer a deeper look at a topic, while editorials or opinion pieces express the writer’s point of view on an issue. While all types of journalism are valuable, it’s essential to develop a strong news sense and be comfortable with a variety of formats. By reading the work of established journalists and practicing in various forms, you can sharpen your news judgment.