Breaking news is a term that describes the latest current events that have captured public interest. When writing a breaking news article, it is important to clearly inform the audience of the significance of the event while engaging them enough to keep reading.

A good headline piques reader interest by tapping into the fundamental human curiosity that drives information-seeking behavior. In a digital age where clicks are the currency, a compelling headline may be more important than ever, as online readers are often inundated with content and have short attention spans. While a provocative headline can attract readers, it must be paired with an equally compelling lead that accurately captures the article’s subject matter and sets the tone for what is to follow.

The lead is the most crucial part of a breaking news story. It should immediately capture the reader’s attention with a dramatic anecdote, shocking fact, or a brief overview of what has happened. Then, it should introduce the article’s nut graph that answers the five Ws: who, what, when, where and why. The nut graph should also place the breaking news in context by explaining how it affects the larger community, if applicable.

A well-written news article contains a strong lead, a detailed nut graph and an overall sense of urgency. It also includes a credible source and an appropriate level of detail, whether that be a simple interview or in-depth research. Lastly, it is important to consider the impact of the story on the target audience and how it may be interpreted by other media outlets.