When a news event happens too quickly for the staff of a print or broadcast media organization to gather all the facts, it is often described as breaking news. Whether the story is about a murder, a fire or the latest celebrity scandal, breaking news stories are often the focus of the front pages and headlines of major newspapers and television networks.
A good breaking news article starts with a hook that captures readers’ attention, such as a dramatic anecdote or surprising fact. It then introduces the main point of the story with a brief paragraph or two called a “nut graph” that answers the six essential questions of journalism: who, what, when, where and why, and places these new developments in context by describing how they affect the larger picture.
If you are writing about a breaking news event, it’s important to be as accurate as possible. The temptation to rewrite an event in more dramatic or interesting terms can lead to a story that is not completely true, such as the erroneous report NPR sent out via e-mail and social media saying Giffords died. Even if the information you receive is reliable, it’s a good idea to double check your sources and cite them if you use their quotes or paraphrasing.
If you are a new reporter, studying how established reporters write their articles is a great way to improve your own style. Read stories from local and national outlets, comparing their tone, structure and word choice to find what you like best about each one. Keep practicing your reporting skills and your instincts for telling compelling, newsworthy events will grow stronger with time.