When people think of news, they often picture the black and white journalism of major newspaper headlines or the national late night news recap on television. But news can also refer to information that a business shares with employees or the general public. This can include company accomplishments, awards won, new initiatives or even a company’s latest product launch. Sharing this news can have a number of benefits, from a marketing standpoint to team-building and morale.
A news update typically includes facts and a concise explanation of an event. It should also provide context and a call to action. Depending on the audience, it may also include expert opinions and statistics. For example, an article about a murder trial might include quotes from the victim and the prosecutor.
News articles generally follow a structure called the “inverted pyramid.” The lead paragraph includes the most critical information–the 5Ws and 1H (5 Who, What, When, Where, Why and How). The body of the story provides more details and less important information toward the end. It is also common to include a quote from the source to maintain journalistic integrity.
When writing a news update, it is important to refrain from injecting your personal opinion into the piece. Instead, let the subject do the talking. For example, if you are covering the replacement of a business’s CEO, interview the person and ask them to give a quote to be included in your story. This can help your readers get to know the subject and form their own opinions.