What are the 5 Ws and 1 H in news writing?

They are Who (was involved), What (happened), When (did it happen), Where (did it take place), Why (did it happen), and How (did it unfold).

What is a 'lede' in news reporting?

The 'lede' (or lead) is the introductory sentence or paragraph of a news story, typically containing the most important details of the event.

How long should news sentences be?

Keep news sentences under 20-25 words for readability. Use simple subject-verb-object structures.

How to Write a News Report: Step-by-Step Writing Guide

Writing a professional news report requires objectivity, speed, and clarity. By structuring your article using the classic Inverted Pyramid model, you ensure readers receive the most vital information first, followed by supporting details and context.

The Inverted Pyramid Structure

News reports organize facts in descending order of importance:

The Lead (Lede): The top of the pyramid. A single paragraph (25-35 words) summarizing the most critical news.
Body Details: Expanding on the lead. Providing context, statistics, timelines, and background information.
Quotes: Adding human perspectives and authority. Citations from officials, witnesses, or stakeholders.
Tail Details: Minor historical context, related minor developments, or future scheduled actions.

Step-by-Step News Writing Process

Step 1: Fact-Finding and Verification

Before typing a single word, compile your facts. Write down the answers to:

Who is the central figure?
What happened?
Where did it occur?
When did it take place?
Why did it happen?
How did it happen?

Step 2: Write a Compelling Headline

A news headline must be clear, active, and concise.

Bad: “A decision was made yesterday regarding the city transport plan.”
Good: “City Council Approves ₹50-Crore Transport Expansion.”
Rule: Use active verbs and present tense for recent events.

Step 3: Craft the Lead (Lede)

Put the most important development in the first sentence.

Example: “Mumbai’s municipal board yesterday banned single-use plastic bags in all wholesale markets starting next Monday.”
Notice: This answers Who (municipal board), What (banned plastic), When (yesterday / next Monday), and Where (Mumbai wholesale markets).

Step 4: Add Supporting Body Paragraphs

Use the second and third paragraphs to explain the details:

Why was the decision made? (e.g., “to reduce landfill waste by 20%”).
What is the immediate impact? (e.g., “vendors face ₹5,000 fines for violations”).

Step 5: Incorporate and Format Quotes

Quotes provide credibility. Introduce quotes with a clear attribution:

Example: “We must enforce this policy to protect our local water bodies,” said Sanitation Officer Amit Patel.

Step 6: Review and Proofread

Verify the spelling of all names and titles.
Remove any biased adjectives (e.g., write “the speaker argued” instead of “the speaker complained”).
Maintain a neutral, third-person perspective throughout the piece.