News is current information about what is happening, about people or the environment. The information may be published in newspapers, magazines, radio or television. It can also be distributed by word of mouth, letters or other means. It is the responsibility of journalists to ensure that the information they publish is accurate and factual.
Generally speaking, News must be new, unusual, interesting and significant to be considered as newsworthy. Some examples of News might be a politician who wins an election, a cyclone, a bush fire, or an earthquake. It is the role of the journalist to evaluate what happens and report the most important events in a clear way.
It is the job of news media to inform and educate their readers, listeners and viewers, not entertain them. Entertainment should come from other areas such as music and drama on the radio or cartoons and crosswords in newspapers.
Write a headline which draws the reader in (or ‘lede’ in journalism jargon). Then begin your story with 25 fascinating words to keep the reader interested and entice them to read on. Once you have a compelling lede it is important to follow up with all the main facts, including contact details, quotes from the people involved in the story and any other relevant information that will help the reader understand what has happened.
Avoid using jargon, or if you do, make sure it is explained in the first reference. It can be difficult to spot your own mistakes, so it is a good idea to get someone else to read your work before publishing it.