A breaking news story is one that involves an event happening right now and is still developing. For example, a plane crash or a fire are breaking news stories because they’re sudden and unexpected. When writing a breaking news article, you’ll want to capture the essence of what happened and who it affects. You’ll also want to be accurate and factual, but don’t sensationalize the story. Your lead should simply, but completely, state the topic of the story. The rest of the story should expand upon the main point and provide details about the event.
Your headline is critical because it’s the first thing readers will see. Your lead should grab attention by using a strong verb, like “hit” or “attack.” Then, state the important details of the story: what’s going on, where and when it happened, who’s involved and why it matters. If there’s a quote from someone who knows the situation, include it in the lead. You’ll want to cite the person’s full name, and be sure to check spelling (e.g., Molly instead of Mollie).
Remember that your goal is to inform readers, not express your opinion or bias. The format for a breaking news article is the inverted pyramid, which means that the most important information comes first, and the less important information is further down in the article. Use direct quotes to add credibility and a human element to the story. This will engage your audience and entice them to keep reading.