As a people’s platform, Youth Ki Awaaz is your place to bring in stories that matter to you. Stories that sometimes don’t make it to the mainstream. But they matter, and hence, we must keep telling them.
So here’s a quick guide for writing a news report on issues you are passionate about!
Before You Begin
Think whether the story is really newsworthy in terms of prominence, timeliness, human interest, oddity or consequence.
- Read up/research on the subject.
- Have your notes handy: facts, observations, quotes, etc.
- Decide what all information you want to use.
Introduction
Every news report must answer these five basic questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?
This forms the crux of a news report. Your first paragraph should answer these questions. Keep the most pressing fact at the start and work down from there. Your introductory bit should contain enough information to give the reader a good overview of the entire story. It is ideal to give information to readers quickly.
A news report is a story about how people are affected. So, try to quote people related to the new to add a personal touch to the story. It makes the story more interesting, readable, and adds more context.
Now work your way down by adding more details, introducing a sub-topic, and another piece of related information in your next paragraphs.
Wrap it up with the least important but related information.
A few more points to keep in mind:
- Make sure the report is in the third person.
- It should not be a personal opinion. Try to keep a neutral perspective.
- Use an active voice.
- Keep the sentences short and the language as simple as possible.
- Most stories can be presented using a particular angle or ‘slant’. This can help make the purpose of the story clear and give it focus.
- To find an angle, try to pinpoint the most unusual or interesting aspect of the story.
- Avoid using jargon, formal language, and complicated sentences. Report the pertinent facts in a language that can be understood by everybody.
- Make sure the Headline is attention-grabbing but not overselling
- Fact-check anything you’re writing about!
All in all, keep it simple, keep it tight!
Hope you find the above information helpful. Happy writing!
Note: Reporting on sensitive issues such as violence, mental health and incidence of suicide, must be done following the general media guidelines for ethical reportage.