A news flash is a piece of breaking news that interrupts radio or television programming and updates listeners on current events. It can be local, national or international in scope and can include a mix of hard and soft news. Unlike a bulletin, a news flash doesn’t present opinion or analysis but instead conveys facts in a compelling manner. A newsflash can be as short as 6-10 seconds.
A good newsflash starts with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly conveys what the story is about. It should also follow the inverted pyramid style of reporting, conveying the most important details first and adding more information as you go along. It’s also a good idea to cite your sources and incorporate quotes from experts or witnesses to add credibility and perspective to the story. Finally, a good newsflash should also include a forward-looking element that shows how this topic will continue to impact people in the future.
Due to its limited length, a newsflash necessarily skates over some details. Therefore, only major stories belong in a newsflash. The anchor can only broadcast between 6 and 10 news items during a newsflash so it’s important to make the most of these seconds. A good way to do this is by using a narrative hook or anecdote that encapsulates the subject in a creative and interesting way. A good newsflash should also conclude with practical info – traffic, weather or a summary of a decree – to show that the newsflash isn’t just a “ticker.” It should be a real service to the audience.
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