A news flash is an article that quickly updates readers on a major event. It can be local, national or international and is a way to keep audiences informed on issues that affect them. It is not a place to present opinion or analysis; it should only highlight facts.
A good newsflash starts with an attention-grabbing headline that encapsulates the main topic of the piece, and then creates a compelling lead paragraph that captures the reader’s interest. A great way to do this is by using a narrative anecdote that entices the reader while pointing them to the weightier argument and evidence to come. The next paragraph, known as the nut graph, adds context and ties the facts you have introduced in the lead to explain why they matter. This is where you should also use quotes from experts or witnesses to add credibility and perspective. The final paragraph should have a forward-looking element that shows how the subject of your newsflash will continue to be relevant in the future.
A newsflash should be no more than three minutes long, and it should be clear that you are presenting factual information. It is important to note that a newsflash is not a replacement for a full-blown report; only the most significant events deserve this type of treatment. Most radio stations will have a newsflash every hour, while 24-hour information networks often have them at various intervals throughout the day.