Breaking news covers immediate, fast-developing events. Unlike other types of journalism, which focus on detailed explanations or artistic expression, news articles prioritize delivering verified facts in a succinct, structured format that readers can easily understand even when skimming.
The lead is the first paragraph of a breaking news story that sets the stage for the rest of the article. It should include some combination of the five Ws (who, what, when, where and why) and one H (how). The lead should be concise, direct and active, rather than passive or overly wordy. It should also omit any information that is not directly relevant to the story’s central event. For example, a reporter may want to mention that a school has slashed its lunch menu, but that isn’t crucial to the story of a shooting in the town square.
Journalists covering breaking news must be especially careful to avoid speculation and to confirm information with authoritative sources. Speculation can often backfire, as it did in the case of Gabrielle Giffords. Moreover, it is important for reporters to refrain from posting erroneous updates on social media sites. Even if the erroneous information isn’t published in print, it can spread online and affect how people perceive the truth of the matter at hand. For example, a Twitter post stating that a shooting victim is dead could have a profound effect on how the public responds to the story. This is particularly true in the digital age when information can travel at light speed.