A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that updates the audience on current events. It can be local, national or international and may include a mix of hard and soft news. A news flash is not the place to present opinion or analysis but to convey factual information in a concise manner.
A well written newsflash begins with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly conveys the topic of the story. It should then follow the inverted pyramid style, introducing the most important details first and adding supporting information as you go along. Ideally, quotes from experts or witnesses will be included to add credibility and perspective to the newsflash. Finally, a good newsflash should always cite its sources and end with a forward-looking element showing how the subject will continue to affect people in the future.
During a newsflash the anchor can only broadcast 6 or 10 news items, so it is important to get straight to the point and to convey the facts in a compelling way. The lead of a newsflash should also contain a narrative hook or anecdote to grab the listener’s attention and draw them into the story. It is also a good idea to point out any stories that will be developed at greater length during the midday or evening news bulletin (as a form of promotion for the station’s work) and to finish with some practical info – traffic, weather, a summary of a decree etc.