News reports are articles that are similar to news articles. News reports are the basic facts of a story that is currently or has just happened. You can easily write news stories if you cover a topic, conduct good interviews, and write in a clear, concise, and active style.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Writing Information for Newsletters
Step 1. Know what you are going to write about
A news report is a report of something that is happening or has just happened. Recent issues, events, criminal events, and investigations are great subjects for news stories. Other journalism works are better for things like profiles, advice articles, and opinions.
- Get ideas by asking questions, especially to government officials and public relations representatives.
- Read other news to find out what's going on. News content can lead you to other related ideas.
- Look for information on upcoming local events on city or county news sites or sources.
- Have a meeting at the town hall to find out if there is a problem going on in your area.
- Attend a court hearing to see if there's anything you can report.
Step 2. Go to the scene
Once you know what to write about, go there for information. You may have to visit the crime scene, place of business, court, or an event. If you don't see it in person, it's hard to write the news.
- Write down everything you see and happen.
- Take note of every comment. Make sure you get all the names of the people who spoke at the event or events.
Step 3. Conduct the interview
Who is interviewed depends on what news will be reported. You need to get lots of quotes. So try to interview a lot of people. People who should be interviewed are event coordinators, police legal counsel, business owners, volunteers, participants, and witnesses. If you need to find the person in advance to schedule an interview, look online for their contact information. You can also conduct live interviews on the spot, depending on the topic of the news.
- If your story is controversial or political, make sure you get views from both sides.
- Prepare a sample of questions, but don't get hung up on them.
- Think of the interview as a conversation.
- Record the ongoing interview.
- Get the full names (with correct spelling) of all interviewees.
Step 4. Copy the interview and comments
When you get home or work, copy the contents of the interview and any comments you get. Listen to the recordings and write them all down (or at least the most important ones). That way, you can find information and quotes easily.
Step 5. Do your research
Newspapers report on what's happening right now, but it's a good idea to do some research on the subject being reported on. Look for information about the company, person, or program you are reporting to make sure the facts you are presenting are true. Double check the spelling of the name, date, and information that has been collected to make sure it's correct.
Part 2 of 2: Writing Newsletters
Step 1. Write a title
The title must be accurate, clear, and easy to understand. Use keywords from the news and create a clear and vivid title. Use active and short verbs. Readers should be able to find out the main content of the news by reading the title.
- The title should be eye-catching, but not exaggerated or misleading.
- Write all the first letters in uppercase, except for prepositions and particles.
- For example, “Armed Robbery at Mangga Dua Market Gold Shop.”
Step 2. Include the author's name and place of occurrence
The author's name is placed under the title. Write down your name and profession. The scene of the incident is written below it in capital letters. Use AP-style abbreviations.
- Example of author's name: Susana Dewi, Staff Reporter
- Examples of the scene: SLEMAN, YK.
Step 3. Use the news terrace
The news terrace is the opening paragraph of a news or article and is usually considered the most important part. Newspapers do not use the terraces that are excessive and flowery. Write a clear news terrace and in accordance with the information presented. The length of the news core is only one or two sentences, and is a summary of the news as a whole. Emphasize who, what, when, where, why, and how aspects.
- Do not include a person's name in the headline (save that information for the body paragraph), unless the person is publicly known (for example, President Joko Widodo).
- For example, “A man from Bogor was caught selling a stolen car at his repair shop on Tuesday when the police were posing as the buyer.”
Step 4. Write a body paragraph
The body paragraph contains facts, but is more detailed and specific than the news core. Use the information you gathered at the scene and from the interview. Write the report from a third-person and neutral perspective. Make sure the news conveys information, not opinions.
Step 5. Enter a quote
Quotes can be included in the news to convey information. Introduce who gave the quote, followed by the exact words that were said. Use the source's full name when first mentioned, then just use the first name.
For example, “Mariana Hakiki has been a children's theater director for six years. “I love children and am happy to see their passion for theatre,” said Ibu Mariana. “There are 76 children in this program. Their ages range from 7 to 16 years.”
Step 6. Include sources
If the information you provide is not common knowledge, provide a source. You can get into trouble if you don't include a source. This is also important in case the facts are wrong. The reader will know who gave the facts wrong, and the fault is not with you.
For example, “The woman was running out of the house at 11 p.m. when she heard a thief coming in, the police said.”
Step 7. Write in a straightforward style
Don't use excessive descriptive language. State the facts and write short, concise sentences. Use active language and strong verbs.
- Write the news in language that shows that the event has already happened.
- Start a new paragraph for new thoughts (even if it's only a sentence or two).
- Write news stories in AP style.
Tips
- Write news briefly and clearly
- Include source
- Write down what happened, not your opinion.
