A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that keeps your listeners updated on topics that matter to them. It can be local, national or international and can include a mix of hard and soft news. The key to writing a good newsflash is to focus on facts and not bring in opinion or analysis. Its brief length forces you to skate over many details – only major stories belong in this type of article – so a powerful lead is crucial. It is best to use a narrative hook or anecdote to encapsulate the subject matter in a creative way.
A well-written newsflash starts with a compelling headline that accurately and enticingly conveys what the article is about. The lead, also known as the nut graph, follows, and it is your chance to set the scene for the main subject of the newsflash. It should explain why this issue matters to your audience, using an inverted pyramid style – most important information first, with more detailed information added later on.
A newsflash usually lasts between one and three minutes. It is often accompanied by a voicer that provides practical information, such as traffic and weather, or a summary of a decree. It can also announce that the same story will be developed at length in the midday or evening bulletin (to promote these segments). It is also possible to include a humorous story, such as a prank or a satirical piece, to make your listeners smile.