Journalist how-to

How to Write a News Story

Clear news writing informs readers fast.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Clear news writing informs readers fast. In short: write; add; include, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Write a strong lede with the key news.

  2. Add a nut graf explaining why it matters.

  3. Include quotes from sources.

  4. Add context and background.

  5. Attribute all information.

  6. Fact-check and edit.

Safety reminders for journalists

  • Plan for safety when covering protests and disasters
  • Protect confidential sources
  • Verify information before publishing
  • Manage stress and trauma exposure

Beat · Lede · Nut graf · Source · Attribution · On the record: see the full journalist glossary.

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