News is information about current events, either locally or internationally. Unlike Features which focus on in-depth subjects such as politics or the arts, News articles are designed to inform and educate. They should be factual and engaging, presenting a balanced view of the subject matter.
News stories are usually geared toward a particular demographic. This may be obvious, such as a local story about the opening of a new shopping centre that will attract shoppers, or less so, such as an article about zoning laws in one city that will be of interest to real estate agents and business owners.
When writing News it is important to remember that readers are interested in what is unusual, interesting, significant and about people. For example, a man wakes up, eats breakfast and goes to work on the bus every day is not newsworthy – but if the same thing happened in a country next door, that would be.
Consuming News is an essential part of daily life but it can become overwhelming. To cut down on news fatigue try to consume a variety of sources and find a channel that works for you. If you’re not sure where to start try signing up for enewsletters such as The Skimm, Refinery29 or Flare’s Explainer series, or check out TV and radio channels that provide a tailored overview of the day’s big news. Don’t forget to follow some good news outlets too, so you can balance the hard-hitting news with sources that offer levity and positivity.