A news flash is a piece of breaking news that interrupts radio or TV programmes to update listeners on current events. It can be local, national or international and may include a mix of hard and soft news. It should convey facts in a compelling manner but it is not the place to present opinion or analysis.
A good news flash needs to capture listeners’ attention from the start – it has to be short, so it must skate over details and only major stories belong in this section. It must follow the inverted pyramid style, conveying the most important information at the top and revealing more detail as you go along. It is also helpful to incorporate quotes from experts or witnesses as they add credibility and perspective.
During a news flash, the anchor can only broadcast between 6 and 10 items so it is vital that they are clear, concise and engaging. The first paragraph – known as the lead – is particularly important; it must accurately and enticingly encapsulate the subject of the story and entice listeners to continue listening. It is a good idea to follow this up with a nut graph that adds context and ties the facts introduced in the lead into a bigger picture to show their significance and direction.
Finally, it is helpful to announce any story that will be developed at greater length during the midday or evening bulletin (as a kind of promo for the station’s work) and conclude with practical info – traffic, weather, a summary of a decree etc.
About the Author
