Expert Tips on Writing a Compelling News Article

In an age of information overload, a journalist’s ability to write a compelling news story is more critical than ever. With readers having mere seconds to decide whether to engage or scroll, good writing isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. But what separates a mediocre report from a powerful piece of journalism?

We asked newsroom veterans, editors, and journalism educators to break it down. Here’s a complete guide for journalism students and aspiring reporters on how to write impactful news stories—with academic depth and real-world insight.

1. Begin with a Strong Lead: The “Hook” That Captures Attention

Academic Insight: The lead is the foundation of any news story. According to the Inverted Pyramid structure, the most important information should come first, followed by supporting details.

Tip from the Field: “Your first sentence should answer the ‘what happened’ in the most concise, dramatic way possible,” says Rajdeep Sardesai, veteran Indian journalist.

Example:

“Delhi choked under a blanket of smog yesterday as pollution levels hit an all-time high this year.”
This lead delivers immediacy, urgency, and relevance in a single line.

2. Stick to the 5 Ws and 1 H: Who, What, When, Where, Why & How

Academic Insight: This classic formula ensures your story is comprehensive. Journalism professors often treat these questions as non-negotiable checkpoints.

Example: In the coverage of the 2023 Manipur violence, reporters from The Hindu ensured every piece covered these six aspects to offer readers full context.

3. Keep It Objective and Factual: Let the Story Speak

Academic Insight: Journalism ethics demand neutrality. Avoid inserting personal opinions unless it’s a verified quote or attributed to a source.

Expert Advice: “Your job isn’t to change minds—it’s to present facts,” says Nidhi Razdan, former NDTV anchor and journalism educator.

Bad Example:

“The government failed the people again.” (Opinionated)
Better Version:
“Residents criticized the government’s response to the floods, calling it inadequate.” (Factual and attributed)

4. Use Quotes Strategically: Bring in the Human Voice

Academic Insight: Quotes add authenticity, break monotony, and present varying perspectives.

Tip from Experience: Avoid overusing jargon-heavy quotes. Choose sound bites that add emotion, authority, or conflict to the story.

Example:
In a report on the farmers’ protests, BBC News used this quote:

“We are not terrorists. We are just hungry,” said 67-year-old Balbir Singh, a farmer from Punjab.
It instantly evokes empathy and paints a vivid picture.

5. Structure Your Story Logically: Clarity Over Cleverness

Academic Insight: Use the Inverted Pyramid or Hourglass Model to organize content:

• Start with key facts

• Move to background information

• End with additional quotes or implications

Real-World Application: The Wire and Scroll.in are Indian platforms that consistently apply this logic for investigative pieces, making complex topics easier to digest.

6. Provide Context and Background: Don’t Assume Prior Knowledge

Academic Insight: Context turns facts into stories. It’s especially crucial in political or legal reporting.

Example:
When reporting the Article 370 abrogation, India Today included a timeline of events from 1947 to 2019, making it easier for younger audiences to grasp the significance.

7. Make Language Simple, Yet Powerful

Academic Insight: Use short sentences, active voice, and plain language. Clarity trumps flowery vocabulary.

Pro Tip: “Journalism is not literature. Write to inform, not impress,” notes Sreenivasan Jain, investigative journalist at NDTV.

8. Always Attribute Your Sources

Academic Insight: Citing sources builds credibility. If it’s not common knowledge or firsthand observation, attribute it.

Example:

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime cases in India rose by 11.8% in 2022.

9. End with Impact: A Closing That Lingers

Academic Insight: A story’s ending can either summarize or leave a strong emotional or intellectual impression.

Example:
From a story on COVID-19 frontline workers by The Indian Express:

“For Dr. Meera, every discharged patient is a small victory—but the war, she says, is far from over.”

10. Fact-Check Relentlessly: Your Credibility Depends on It

Academic Insight: False reporting can destroy reputations—yours and your outlet’s. Use tools like Alt News, BoomLive, and Google Fact Check to verify claims.

Case Study:
The Quint had to retract a controversial story in 2017 after failing to fact-check a claim. It became a key case study in journalism ethics courses across India.

10 Tips to Write a Compelling News Story

A compelling news story isn’t just about what you write, but how you structure, source, and style it. Every report is an opportunity to inform, influence, and inspire. As India’s media ecosystem grows more dynamic—and more scrutinized—journalists must rise not only as storytellers but also as stewards of truth.

As American journalist Carl Bernstein once said:

“The best journalism is the best obtainable version of the truth.”