How to Write Good News

News is information about events that affect us, either directly or indirectly. It is important to be aware of the things going on in our world so that we can make informed decisions. News reports present facts in a way that makes them interesting and comprehensible. They tell a story about something that has happened or is happening, and they are often written with an element of drama. They also highlight good and bad characters and situations, letting us know who are the heroes and who are the villains.

It is also helpful to understand that most news stories are not objective. They are filtered through the editorial process of news organizations which decides what to cover and how it should be presented. These people are called editors, or sometimes news directors, and they take recommendations from reporters and assistant editors. They decide what gets put in print or on TV and radio news programs, and they choose which articles are posted on websites.

Knowing your audience is key to writing a good news article. Writers should keep in mind that the most compelling and interesting information is what will engage and retain readers the most. This is why the most important news stories are placed above the fold in newspapers or on the top of the home page of an online news site.

When determining the strength of a news story, consider how many of the five Ws it meets: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Also consider the timeline of events, and make sure to include all the relevant details.