A news flash interrupts radio or television broadcasts to bring in the latest headlines. It can be about local, national or international issues and is a great way to keep your audience up to date on topics that affect them directly. It is different from a bulletin because it does not present developed stories; instead, it provides quick updates on breaking news that could impact your audience. A well written news flash starts with an attention-grabbing headline that accurately and enticingly reflects what the story is about. The lead, also known as the “flash,” should use a narrative hook or anecdote to entice your readers and then flesh out your main subject. It should cite your sources and include a nut graph that ties the facts you introduced in the lead into a bigger picture to show why the topic matters.
Since news flashes are typically only one to three minutes long, you will have to skate over some details. Only major stories belong in a news flash. If you know your topic will be developed at length in your midday or evening bulletin, mention it in the newsflash so that your audience knows to tune into those programmes for more information on the topic.
A good news flash follows the inverted pyramid style. It conveys the most important information at the top and then adds a bit more detail below, ideally using quotes from experts or witnesses to lend credibility. Lastly, a good news flash includes a forward-looking element that shows why your topic will continue to matter in the future.