News articles share information that is relevant to a broad audience. Whether it is an exciting or tragic story, these articles usually make headlines and spark conversations with friends and coworkers as well as strangers in the grocery store or coffee shop. News articles differ from other types of writing in that they focus on conveying facts and avoiding any overly biased language or commentary. Writing a quality news article requires knowledge of AP style and an ability to quickly research, gather facts and interview sources.
Begin the article with a compelling lead that captures the attention of readers. The lead should answer the questions of who, what, when, where and why. A good news article follows the inverted pyramid style, meaning that the most important details are introduced in the first paragraph and less significant information is added afterward. Incorporate quotes from experts or witnesses to add credibility and perspective.
Always double check the facts before submitting any news article. Inaccurate or false information can discredit the writer and create a reputation for incompetence. Be sure to cite all information from reliable sources, such as interviews or public records.
Keep the audience in mind throughout the writing process. Unless the article is about a topic that has universal appeal, such as sports news, the article should be geared toward a particular demographic. For example, if an article is about zoning laws in a commercial area, the target demographic would be business owners or landlords.