A newsflash is a short piece of journalism that interrupts radio or TV broadcasts to bring in the latest headlines. It usually includes a brief summary of major events in the world, but it can also contain lighter news stories like the weather forecast or an interview with an expert. A good news flash has a strong lead that captures the audience’s attention and follows the inverted pyramid style of reporting, which means introducing the most important facts first and then adding supporting information. It should also cite its sources and finish with a forward-looking element to give the piece oomph and direction.
The lead is the most important part of a newsflash, and it’s your chance to grab readers’ attention and draw them in so they keep listening to the rest of the story. A good way to do this is by using a narrative hook or anecdote that captures the audience’s imagination and empathy. Then, a nut graph should follow, which adds context to the facts you’ve introduced in the lead and explains why they matter.
Finally, your newsflash should include practical details like where and when the event took place or a simple summary of the subject. And don’t forget to wrap it up with a kicker, which is something quirky or humorous that will leave the audience with a smile on their face.
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