When you write a news flash, your goal is to provide readers with a timely account of a significant event or development. Begin your article with a compelling headline that grabs attention and creates curiosity. A strong headline can make or break a story, so spend time crafting it.
A strong lede, often referred to as a “nut graph,” introduces the topic of your news story and answers key questions such as who, what, when, where and why. The nut graph also places the new developments in context by explaining why they matter and where the story is heading. The rest of the story expands on the facts you introduced in the nut graph using descriptive details, expert voices and analysis. You may also include quotes from people who witnessed or experienced the newsworthy development.
Your article should have an exciting climax that builds on the information you’ve already shared. The ending can be formal or informal, but most stories need to end with a memorable punch. For example, you could end the article with a forward-looking line that indicates what’s next for an issue or character, or one last memorable quote that sums up the story’s meaning.