A news flash is a quick piece of breaking news that interrupts radio or television programming to inform the public about topics that directly affect them. It can be about local, national or international issues and is a fantastic way to keep listeners up to date with developments. It differs from a bulletin because it does not offer developed stories; only facts and information about a particular topic.
The first paragraph of a news flash, known as the lead, has to be powerful enough to catch readers’ attention and entice them to continue reading the article. It is an excellent opportunity to use a narrative hook or anecdote that encapsulates the main subject matter of the story in a creative way. The lead should also flesh out any additional details that are needed and cite the source. It should also follow the inverted pyramid style by conveying the most important information at the top of the article and progressively providing more detail as you go along.
A good news flash will include a forward-looking element that hints at how the subject matter may impact people’s lives in the future. It is a great way to show the audience that you’re not only concerned about the present, but that you care about your viewers and their well-being in the long term as well. Lastly, it is important to avoid putting unnecessary detail in the news flash; for example, the weather does not belong in a headline, unless there is a direct connection between it and the story.
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