A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that keeps the audience updated on current events. It can be local, national or international and may include both hard and soft news. News flashes are not the place to present opinion and must strictly convey facts on a particular subject matter.
A good newsflash usually lasts between one and three minutes and starts with a compelling lead that grabs readers’ attention. It is important to use a narrative hook or anecdote that simultaneously captures people’s imagination and entices them to read more about the topic. It is also crucial to cite your sources so that readers can be certain of the accuracy and credibility of the information you are sharing.
The next part of a newsflash is the nut graph, which adds context and explains why this subject matters. The nut graph should follow the inverted pyramid style, conveying the most important details at the beginning of your article and then adding more supporting information as you move along. It is a good idea to incorporate quotes from experts or witnesses to give your article a sense of authority and legitimacy.
Finally, if your newsflash contains a story that you plan to develop at great length during the midday or evening bulletins, announce this in the headline. This will promote the newsroom’s work and also ensure that people aren’t hearing the same stories over again. In addition, end your newsflash with something fun or uplifting such as an announcement of a concert or a witty quote to leave the listeners with a smile on their faces.