A news flash is a quick piece of breaking news that updates listeners on current events. They can be local, national or international and are often a mix of hard and soft news. Newsflashes are a great way to keep listeners informed and to break the story in a compelling manner. However, they are not the place to bring opinion or analysis.
A well written newsflash starts with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly conveys what the story is about. It then follows the inverted pyramid style of journalism by introducing important facts first and then fleshing them out further with more details. If necessary, it also cites its sources and finishes with a forward-looking element to show how the subject matter will continue to be relevant in the future.
The lead is a critical part of the newsflash, as it’s the anchor’s chance to grab listeners and draw them in to hear the full story. A good way to do this is by using a narrative anecdote that encapsulates the subject matter in a creative and interesting manner.
As newsflashes are limited to 6 to 10 stories, it’s important that the anchor delivers these news items in a concise and compelling manner. It’s also important to avoid repeating stories that have already been covered in other parts of the broadcast such as the midday or evening bulletins.
