A news flash is a piece of breaking news that interrupts a radio or television broadcast and updates audiences on current events. It can be local, national or international in scope and may include hard or soft news and a mix of facts and opinions. It is not a place to bring analysis and should convey facts in a compelling manner. A good newsflash will start with a catchy headline that accurately and enticingly reflects the subject of the story. It should then flesh out the headline with a compelling lead that explains why the story matters, following the inverted pyramid style of reporting (presenting the most important details first) and incorporating quotes from experts or witnesses to lend credibility and perspective. It should also cite its sources and end with a forward-looking element, showing how the story will affect people in the future.
A radio station may have a newsflash every hour or, as the case of a 24-hour information channel, every quarter of an hour. In this way, it keeps its audience informed about the latest developments in a matter of seconds.
A newsflash usually has between 6 and 10 stories. As it is so short, it necessarily skates over certain details. The anchor must therefore ensure that only major stories belong in a newsflash and that they are presented clearly and concisely. It is also important to announce any story that will be developed at greater length during the midday or evening news bulletin (as a kind of promo for the station’s work) and finish with practical info – traffic, weather, a summary of a decree etc.