A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that informs listeners about current events. It can be about local, national or international issues and is a great way to keep listeners updated on topics that matter to them. Unlike a news bulletin, a news flash does not present any opinion or analysis; instead it focuses on giving out relevant facts and information. A news flash should start with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly reflects what the story is about. It should then follow with a lead paragraph that explains why the topic matters to listeners. Finally, it should include a nut graph that ties the facts you have introduced in your lead into a bigger picture to show the significance and direction the subject is heading in.
A good news flash will capture readers’ interest and entice them to read the article. It will also ideally use the narrative hook technique of telling an anecdote, catching readers’ attention and invoking empathy or outrage, depending on the topic.
Since a newsflash is so short, it will have to skate over details; only major stories belong in this type of article. Therefore, it is important to prioritise the most important details and cite the source. A good newsflash will also include a forward-looking element, demonstrating how the issue will continue to impact people and why it is worth listening to. This is similar to the’show, don’t tell’ strategy used in a blog post or an essay.