A news flash interrupts radio or TV programming and updates the audience on current events. The subject matter can be local, national or international and can be a good way to keep the public informed about topics that affect them directly. A well-written news flash starts with a compelling headline that accurately and enticingly reflects the story. The lead fleshes out the headline by adding context, citing sources and highlighting any additional details that need to be conveyed. The nut graph ties the facts introduced in the lead to a bigger picture that explains why the story matters to the audience.
The lead also introduces the subject in a creative manner and entices readers to delve into the story further. Narrative flash ledes, for instance, often use a narrative hook or an anecdote to encapsulate the main subject and draw the reader in. Ideally, the lead should also imply that the article will discuss the weightier argument and evidence yet to come, if applicable.
Given its short length, a newsflash must skate over many details and only cover major stories. It can, however, announce a story that will be developed at length in the bulletin (promoting the newsroom’s work). A newsflash can also give practical information such as traffic or weather, a summary of a decree, or funny news. Lastly, it is best to stick with the first or second person and avoid switching between both in the body of the piece; this can confuse the reader and can jar them out of the flow of the article.