How to Write a Hard News Article

The hard news article is one of the most basic forms of journalistic writing. Hard news differs from soft news in that the reporting is very concise and doesn't rely as heavily on the human element. The hard-news article format is used for stories about crime, current events and politics. Here are some guidelines for journalists and freelancers to follow to write a compelling hard-news article.

Things You'll Need

• AP Stylebook (optional)

Instructions

1. Use the inverted pyramid when crafting your article. Provide your reader with the most important information up front. When people read articles, they want to know the basics above all else. A person should be able to read the first few paragraphs and walk away knowing the facts.

2. Place your nut graph close to the lead. This graph will give your reader the background information she needs to understand the importance of this article and why you are writing it.

3. Attribute all quotations using proper AP format. If you use a quotation from a press release or telephone or email interview, attribute it appropriately and let the reader know the means by which the information was gained. For example, if the quote was taken from a press release, you would write something along the lines of, "According to a recent press release, _____ stated," and then go into your quotation.

4. Do not use a quotation as your lead, unless the quote is particularly strong. If you do use a quote, be sure to craft the rest of the lead and nut graph appropriately.

5. Check and recheck all source information. Verify everything. Use press releases and official sources. For example, if you are reporting on a crime, obtain police records and attend press conferences.

6. Include side bars (when appropriate), with facts to break down more complex information or statistics. Readers are more apt to check out the graphs and sidebars first before settling in to the actual news article.

Tips & Warnings

• If needed, use an AP Stylebook to brush up on attribution and citing sources.