A news flash is a piece of breaking news that updates listeners on current events. These events can be local, national or international. It’s a great way to keep radio listeners up to date. However, a newsflash is not the place to present opinion or analysis. It is important to follow the “show, don’t tell” writing technique when it comes to writing a newsflash. For example, instead of saying, “Johnny ran up the hill,” say, “Johnny’s legs were aching from running up the hill.” This makes the reader more engaged in the story.
A good newsflash starts with a compelling lead, or an enticing introductory scene-setter. The lead is the first paragraph that gives context to the news item. It also helps to arouse readers’ curiosity about the article. The next paragraph, called the nut graph, adds additional details and facts to give the reader a complete picture of the event. The nut graph should use the inverted pyramid style, where the most important information is conveyed first and then more detailed information is added.
The last paragraph, known as the kicker, is a humorous twist on the news item. The kicker may be a quote from an expert or witness, or it can simply be a lighthearted comment about the event. The goal of the kicker is to enliven the news item and to leave the audience with a smile.
About the Author
