A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that interrupts radio or TV broadcasts and updates listeners about the latest developments. It can be local, national or international in nature and is a good way to keep audiences updated on issues that directly affect them. It should start with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly reflects what the article is about, followed by a compelling lead paragraph that explains why this topic is important. It should also include a nut graph that takes the facts introduced in the lead and shows how they fit into a bigger picture. A well written newsflash will also cite its sources and avoid bringing opinion on the subject matter.
A good newsflash will be between one and three minutes long. The anchor should announce a story that will be developed at length in the midday or evening bulletin, and give out practical information like traffic and weather forecasts, a summary of a decree etc.
Because of its shortness, a newsflash is forced to skate over many details and only major stories belong in this type of article. However, this is a good opportunity to use a narrative hook or anecdote to capture readers’ interest and entice them to learn more about the subject. It is also a good idea to include some forward-looking elements that zoom out from the specifics of the subject and indicate why this event will continue to be important or relevant in the future.
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