Whether it’s a plane crash or a fire, breaking news is an event that’s happening right now and needs to be reported immediately. These stories are often the most chaotic and confusing, and it can be difficult for media outlets to get everything straight. This is particularly true when a breaking news story has happened off camera and reporters have to rely on information from sources, which can be wrong.
Getting the most important details first is crucial for any breaking news article, but it’s also important to provide context and background on the story. Using the inverted pyramid style, begin your article with the most important information (who, what, when, where, why, and how), then include more details and quotes from experts or eyewitnesses to add credibility and perspective. Finally, include a nut graph that connects the facts introduced in your lead to the bigger picture and explains why this story is significant or dangerous.
If you’re looking for a well-researched, layered, smart take on politics, culture, or big ideas, The Atlantic is the place to go. They’re a bit older than most of the other brands here, but they’ve kept up with the times and now report across TV broadcasts, social feeds, and their own apps and platforms. The Atlantic is known for long reads, sharp essays, and major events like their popular podcasts and The Atlantic Festival. They’re seen as leaning slightly left but are careful to frame their stories with a balance of perspectives.