A news flash is a quick piece of breaking news that updates listeners on a topic that affects them. It may be local, national or international and can include a mix of hard and soft news. It is important to remember that a news flash is not the place to bring opinion but to simply relay facts on the issue. The newsflash is usually limited to six or ten stories so it is essential that the anchor starts with a lead that accurately and enticingly conveys what the story is about. It is also a good idea to use a narrative hook or anecdote that captures the audience’s attention and entices them to keep listening. The lead should also mention any additional details that need to be conveyed and cite the source.
The rest of the newsflash can be written in a simple and straightforward manner or can take on a more narrative tone. However, it is important to note that a newsflash should always follow the inverted pyramid style – most important details first and more supporting information later. It is also a good idea to include quotes from experts or witnesses to add credibility and perspective. The newsflash should also end with a nut graph that ties the main points into a larger picture to show their significance and what direction the issue is going in.
On TV, a newsflash is often called a Breaking News report but this term fell out of favour in the 1990s with the advent of 24 hour rolling news coverage. Despite this, it is still used to describe a news item that is important enough to interrupt a soap opera or other programme for.