News is information about current events. It may be communicated verbally or written in various formats such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television or the Internet. Historically, news stories had to be written by hand and either typed or manually set in types for each edition of the newspaper or magazine. Now, it is possible for news to be reported instantly through electronic communication, and this has changed the way that people get their information about the world around them.
The strength of a news story is judged by its ability to meet the following criteria: It should be new, unusual, interesting, significant and about people. It should also grab the attention of the audience.
Crime: Any sort of crime can make the news, but more serious crimes and a greater impact on the public are more likely to be highlighted. Money: Fortunes made and lost, tax rates, the Budget, food prices, wage rises and compensation claims all make the news.
A good headline will capture the attention of the audience and give an indication of what is in the article. It should be concise, informative and catchy. The byline should identify the writer and be followed by a brief lead which summarises the key points in the article. This helps readers decide whether they want to read the full news article. A well written lead should also be able to stand alone as an unbiased piece of information on its own.