A news article is a short report on a current event. It should be concise and include the most important facts of the story. It should also be written in an engaging way, to keep the reader interested and informed.
News articles can be about any topic, from sports and celebrity gossip to politics and world events. They are usually written for a large audience, although some papers may be more niche in their target audience and focus on a particular demographic.
When deciding whether a story is newsworthy, you should ask yourself the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why. A story about a recent crime, for instance, will likely be newsworthy if it is an unusual or significant one. It might also be interesting to read if it is a local one, such as a burglary that affects people you know.
Generally, the best way to find out about a story is from someone who is directly involved or affected by it. A news article should always cite the source of information, and use direct quotes where possible. This will help readers understand the source of the story and will make the article more compelling.
Many people think that the job of the news media – newspapers, radio and television – is to entertain. While the news media can provide some entertainment in the form of music and drama programs, it is primarily a means to inform and educate its readers, listeners and viewers. Entertainment can come from other areas – for example, magazines and books about popular culture or crossword puzzles in newspapers.
Most news stories are about people and the things they do. This is partly because it is the human element which makes most events newsworthy – but other factors can play a role as well. For example, a cyclone, bush fire or flood will have a higher impact on the lives of people in one location than another. A drought or volcanic eruption will have an even greater effect on many more lives.
News stories often deal with current affairs, such as political events, wars and social issues. These can be very controversial and will often lead to heated debates. News stories are also influenced by opinion and can be based on personal opinions of the writer, who may have his or her own biases. A good journalist will be able to present these opinions in a fair and impartial manner. This is known as objectivity. It is also important for a journalist to be familiar with the different views of various groups in society, so that they can include the voices of all affected parties in their reports. This is also known as impartiality.