A news flash is a short piece of breaking news that updates the audience on topics they care about. It can be local, national or international in scope and include a mix of hard and soft news. The newsflash can either interrupt a regular broadcast, or it may be featured as a ticker on the bottom of a TV screen. A good newsflash begins with a compelling lead that accurately and enticingly conveys what the story is about. It then follows the inverted pyramid style of journalism, putting the most important information first and adding supporting details later. It should also cite its sources, and it should end with a forward-looking element that demonstrates how the topic will affect people in the future.
Because newsflashes are so short, they necessarily skate over some of the facts. This makes it crucial to cite sources and avoid introducing opinion into the report. The anchor should deliver the facts in a straightforward way if the subject matter is hard, and he or she should use a narrative hook or anecdote to draw the audience in if the subject is a human interest story.
In addition, a good newsflash should announce a story that will be developed at length in the midday or evening bulletin. This helps promote the newsroom’s work and keeps listeners informed of what’s happening in their community. Finally, a well-written newsflash should always end with something funny (a kicker) so that the audience goes home with a smile on their face.