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How to Write a Newspaper Article

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 329,250 times.

A newspaper article should provide an objective, factual account of an event, person, or place. Most newspaper articles are read quickly or skimmed by the reader, so the most important information should always appear first, followed by descriptive content that rounds out the story. By conducting research and following the correct organizational structure, you can create an informative newspaper article in no time.

Sample Articles

Conducting Interviews and Research

• Your sources should be experts in the field your article is focusing on, such as a certified professional, a professor, or an academic. You can use sources that have extensive experience or background in a field that relates to your article.
• Sources like a witness to an event can also be useful, especially if they have first-hand experience of the topic you are covering.

• You may need to conduct more than 1 interview with your sources, especially if they are a major source for the article. You can also send follow-up questions to your sources as needed.
• You will need to transcribe your interviews by typing them up to ensure you quote your sources correctly. Having transcriptions will also make fact checking your article and backing up your sources much easier.

• Make sure you cite the information properly in your article by noting the name or organization that provided the information. You should have credible sources to back up any claims or arguments made in the article.

• If you are writing the newspaper article for an editor, they may require you to provide a list of your sources for the article to show you have fact checked your work.

Structuring the Article

• For example, you may create a headline like, “Teen Girl Missing in Okotoks” or “Congress Stalls on Family Planning Bill.”
• In some cases, it may be easier to save the headline for last, after you have written the article, so you know what the focus of the article is and can sum it up clearly.

• For example, you may write a lead like, "An outbreak of flu in San Francisco has led to 3 elementary school closings this week, according to school officials." Or, "A missing girl originally from Okotoks was found Monday in an abandoned cabin in the Minnetonka area, according to local police."

• For example, you may write, “10-12 students have been diagnosed with the flu and health officials fear it could continue to spread if it is not contained.”

• For example, you may write, “The teen girl was reported missing on Friday afternoon by her mother after she did not come home from a study date at a friend’s house. She is the second girl to be reported missing in the past 2 weeks from the Okotoks area.”

• For example, you may write, “‘The girl is shaken, but does not appear to have any serious injuries,’ stated local Police Chief Wilborn.” Or you may write, “According to a statement by school officials, ‘The shutdown will prevent the flu from spreading further and ensure the safety of our students.’”
• Avoid using long quotes or more than 4 quotes in the article, as the reader may get confused or lost if there are too many quotations.

• For example, you may write, “The girl’s mother expressed relief for her daughter and concern about her community, noting, ‘I just hope no other girls go missing in this area.’”
• Or you may write, “Local health officials are urging parents to check the municipal health and wellness website, www.hw.org, for updates on when schools are able to reopen.”

Creating the Appropriate Voice and Tone

• For example, rather than write, “The missing girl’s mother thought it had to do with school,” you may write, “The missing girl’s mother thought bullying at school may have caused her daughter’s absences.”

• For example, rather than write, “A press conference will be held by local police tomorrow to address the missing girls and the public’s concerns,” you may write, “Local police will address the missing girls and the public’s concerns in a press conference tomorrow.”

• For example, if you're writing about two political candidates running against each other in an election, present both candidates in an equal light, rather than giving extra details about 1 candidate.
• If you're writing an op-ed piece, it's okay to mix some of your opinions with the facts.

Polishing the Article

• Reading the article aloud can also help you catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

• For example, you may ask others questions like, “Were you able to understand what happened, based on the information in the article?” “Was the language clear and easy to follow?” “Was the article well supported with sources and quotes?”

• If you are writing the newspaper article for a class, make sure it falls within the prescribed word limit for the assignment.

Carve out a niche by gravitating towards underreported stories. "I personally tend to be drawn to stories that aren't paid much attention to, or stories that aren't on people's radar."

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing as a career, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

• ↑ https://guides.lib.vt.edu/researchmethods/interviews
• ↑ https://www.csus.edu/indiv/o/obriene/art116/readings/guide%20for%20conducting%20interviews.pdf
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/01/22/part-4-what-people-want-from-their-libraries/
• ↑ https://settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/communication/ethnic-and-cultural-media/what-is-fake-news-and-how-to-stop-spreading-misinformation/
• ↑ https://www.viasport.ca/communications-toolkit/module-4-how-write-engaging-sports-article
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/journalism_and_journalistic_writing/writing_leads.html
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/05/
• ↑ https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing/sources/quoting
• ↑ https://lib.trinity.edu/in-text-citation-and-notes//
• ↑ https://www.csus.edu/campus-safety/police-department/_internal/_documents/rwm.pdf
• ↑ https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

About This Article

To write a newspaper article, gather all of your sources and verify any facts or sources you plan to use. Write an opening sentence that tells the readers the most essential details of the story. Write in third person, active voice, and maintain an authoritative tone throughout the article. Keep in mind the questions “Who,” “What,” “Where,” “When,” “Why,” and “How” when you’re writing your story, and try to answer as many of them as you can. When you’re finished writing the article, craft a short, engaging headline that tells readers what the article is about. To learn how reading your article out loud can help you proofread it, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Newspaper Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting a compelling newspaper article is an art form that requires a unique blend of creativity, research, and storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned journalist or a budding writer looking to break into the world of news reporting, mastering the art of writing a newspaper article is essential.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of writing a successful newspaper article that engages readers and delivers the news in a clear and concise manner.

Understanding the Basics

Research and interviewing, writing the article.

Before you begin writing your newspaper article, it’s important to understand the basic structure and components that make up a well-written piece. A typical newspaper article consists of the following elements:

Headline: The headline is the title of your article and should grab the reader’s attention while accurately summarizing the main point of the story.

Byline: The byline includes the name of the author or reporter who wrote the article.

Lead: The lead, or opening paragraph, is the most crucial part of your article. It should succinctly summarize the main point of the story and entice readers to continue reading.

Body: The body of the article includes the main content, which is organized into paragraphs that provide additional details, quotes, and information to support the main point of the story.

Ending: The ending of the article should tie up any loose ends and provide a sense of closure to the reader.

Before you start writing your newspaper article, it’s important to conduct thorough research and gather all the necessary information. This may involve interviewing sources, reviewing relevant documents or reports, and fact-checking your information. When conducting interviews, be sure to prepare a list of questions in advance and take detailed notes to ensure accuracy.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to start writing your newspaper article. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling and engaging piece:

1. Start with a strong lead: Your lead should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear summary of the main point of the story. Avoid using cliches or vague language and instead focus on being concise and to the point.

2. Use clear and concise language: When writing a newspaper article, it’s important to use simple and straightforward language that is easy for readers to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse your audience.

3. Include quotes and sources: Incorporating quotes from sources adds credibility to your article and provides additional perspectives on the story. Be sure to attribute quotes to the appropriate sources and provide context for the information presented.

4. Organize your information: Structure your article in a logical and coherent manner, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the story. Use headings and subheadings to guide readers through the article and make it easier to follow.

5. Edit and revise: Once you have finished writing your article, take the time to edit and revise it for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that all information is accurate and up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a newspaper article be.

The length of a newspaper article can vary depending on the publication and the nature of the story. In general, most newspaper articles range from 300 to 800 words, although feature articles or in-depth investigative pieces may be longer.

How do I come up with ideas for a newspaper article?

Generating ideas for a newspaper article can be as simple as staying informed about current events, trends, and issues in your community or industry. You can also draw inspiration from personal experiences, interviews with sources, or research on a specific topic.

How can I pitch a newspaper article to an editor?

When pitching a newspaper article to an editor, it's important to be concise and to the point. Clearly outline the main point of your story, why it is newsworthy, and how you plan to approach the topic. Be sure to provide any relevant background information, sources, or research to support your pitch.

In summary, writing a newspaper article is a rewarding and challenging endeavor that requires careful planning, research, and storytelling skills. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can create compelling and engaging articles that inform, entertain, and inspire readers. So, grab your pen and paper, and start writing your next great newspaper article today!

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How to Write a News Article

Discover expert tips on how to write a newspaper article with our guide. Start writing news articles today!

Last updated on Jan 14th, 2024

When you click on affiliate links on QuillMuse.com and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission—this helps us keep up with publishing valuable content on QuillMuse.  Read More .

Table of Contents

A news article is a type of article through which the readers can get an idea about the world and various types of affairs, so if you want to write a news article properly, there are several important rules to follow.

In today’s article, we will try to share some important tips where you can learn how to write a news article for beginners.

Introduction 

Writing a news article is different from writing other articles or informational articles because news articles present information in a specific way. It is important to be able to convey all relevant information in a limited number of words and present the facts to your target audience in a concise manner. Knowing how to write a news article can help you build a journalism career, develop your writing skills, and convey information clearly and concisely. 

A news article is a form of writing that provides concise, factual information to the reader. The reports often cover notable news, including legislation, announcements, education, findings or research, election results, public health, sports, and the arts. 

Unlike blog posts and opinions, a news article certainly does not include personal opinion, speculation, or bias. Additionally, the expression and syntax are accessible to any reader, even if they are not familiar with the subject. Therefore, the reports do not contain terms that you might find in a research paper or essay. 

Before Starting to Write a News Article Things You Must Know

• Outline your article with all the facts and interview quotes you’ve collected. Decide your stance on the topic before you start writing. 
• Your first sentence is the most important in the whole article. Create an attention-grabbing sentence that states the most important information. 
• Proofread for accurate information, consistent style and tone, and appropriate formatting. 

Before writing a news article, you must learn about the most common mistakes in writing that you should avoid.

Some Tricks That Will Help How To Write a News Article For Beginners 

Search your topic.

To start writing a news article, you need to thoroughly search the topic you intend to write about. To have a credible, well-written, and well-structured article, you must have a good understanding of the topic. If you have ever written a research paper, you will understand the work involved in studying your subject. The first stages of writing an article or editorial are quite similar. 

Asking yourself six WH questions:

• Who is it? 
• What happened? 
• Where did it happen? 
• Why did it happen? 
• When did it happen? 
• How did it happen?

Compile all your events

Once you can answer the “6 WH question,” write down a list of all the relevant facts and information that should be included in the article.

Organize your events into three groups: 

• Groups that should be included in the article. 
• Things that are interesting but not important. 
• Related content but not important to the purpose of the article. 

This list of facts will help you avoid missing any relevant information about the topic or story, and will also help you write a clear and succinct article. Be as specific as possible when writing down all these events. You can always remove unnecessary information later, but it’s easier to reduce it than to consolidate an article. 

At this point, it’s okay to have gaps in your information. If you don’t have the relevant facts, write the question down and mark it so you don’t forget to look it up. 

Now that you have the facts, if your editor hasn’t specified an article type, decide what type of news article you’re writing. Ask yourself whether it is an opinion piece, an objective and direct news relay, or something in between.

Create a news article outline

Your news article outline, and then your writing, should be structured like an inverted triangle. The inverted triangle allows you to structure your story so that the most important information is at the

If you’ve ever heard the term “bury the lead,” it has to do with the structure of your writing. “Lead” is the first sentence of the article – the sentence in which you “lead”. Not “burying the lead” simply means that you should not force readers to read multiple paragraphs before getting to the heart of your writing. 

No matter what forum you write for, whether print or web, many readers don’t get to the end of the article. When writing an article, you should try to give readers what they want as quickly as possible. 

Write above the fold. If you look at a newspaper, all the most important articles are placed above the fold. The same goes for writing online. The virtual folding screen is at the bottom of the screen before you have to scroll down. Put the best information first to attract readers and encourage them to keep reading.

Know your audience

To write a good article, you need to know exactly who you are writing for. Your audience will determine the tone and tone of your writing and help you know what to include. Questions like what is the average age you are writing about, where is the audience, local or national, why is this audience reading your writing, and what does the audience want from your writing? you know about writing. 

When you know who you are writing for, you can write a plan to get the best information to the right audience as quickly as possible. 

Interview people

When writing an article, interviewing people and getting first-hand information about your topic can be invaluable. And while it may seem intimidating to approach people and ask for interviews, it can greatly impact the credibility and trustworthiness of your writing. 

People often like to talk about personal experiences, especially if they will be mentioned somewhere, such as in your article. 

When interviewing people, there are a few rules you should follow: 

identify yourself as a journalist. Think clearly. Be objective. Although you are encouraged to ask questions and listen to the story, you are not there to judge. 

Record and note important information from the interview, and be transparent about what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Reread your first draft

In addition to looking for obvious spelling or grammatical errors, listen for awkward transitions and jarring changes in tense or perspective. Rewrite Additionally, ask yourself whether your first draft successfully communicates the purpose of your story. Read your article if necessary and repeat this step. Don’t forget to proofread your work.

Fact Check 

Strong news based on facts. If a claim or piece of information is flimsy or unsupported, the entire work is compromised. Before publishing an article, verify that all the information you gathered in the first place is accurate and validate the information provided by your interviewed sources.

Follow APA style for formatting and citing sources

Journalists, and therefore articles, follow APA style for sourcing and citation in most cases. The APA Stylebook is a guide for journalists and should be consulted for proper formatting. When quoting someone, write exactly what was said in quotation marks and immediately cite the reference with the person’s proper title. Official titles must be capitalized and appear before a person’s name. 

For example: 

“Mira Jonia Smita”. 

When writing an article, remember to add only one space after the period, not two.

Let your editor read your article

Even if you’ve reread your news article a few times and think everything is clear, you should let another set of eyes look at it. In addition to detecting spelling or grammatical errors, your editor will be able to help you trim certain parts and simplify confusing sentences.

You should not submit an article for publication without letting someone look over it first. An extra pair of eyes can check your facts and information to ensure what you write is accurate. 

If you’re writing a news article for school or your website, ask a friend to look it over and take notes for you. Sometimes you may receive notes that you want to defend or disagree with. But you have to listen to them. Remember, with so many news articles being published every minute, you need to ensure that the widest possible audience can easily absorb the information you have provided.

Conclude your article

Compliment readers for sticking with you until the end by giving them something to remember, such as potential solutions to the problem or challenges outlined in your article. Make sure your news article is complete and ends with a good conclusion. This is usually a restatement of the main claim ( thesis ) or a statement that points to potential future developments related to the topic of the paper. 

Conclusion 

Read other articles for ideas on the best way to write a news article. Or watch news channels or shows. Watch how a news writer ends a story and signs off, then try to imitate that. If we think about how to write a news article for beginners, this article is also applicable to them.

How we've reviewed this article

Our content is thoroughly researched and fact-checked using reputable sources. While we aim for precision, we encourage independent verification for complete confidence.

We keep our articles up-to-date regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance as new information becomes available.

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• Jan 14th, 2024
• Oct 18th, 2023

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News Writing Fundamentals

One of the most fundamental differences between journalism and other forms of writing is the way journalists obtain the information they write about. Journalists obtain information through a variety of reporting techniques, which can include interviewing sources, looking through government documents, researching old articles, and observing events firsthand.

Good news writing begins with good, accurate reporting. Journalists perform a public service for citizens by presenting truthful facts in honest, straight-forward articles.

News Values

Journalists commonly use six values to determine how newsworthy a story or elements of a story are. Knowing the news values can help a journalist make many decisions, including:

What information to give first in a news article, and in the lede

Which articles to display on a newspaper’s front page

What questions to ask in an interview

The six news values are:

Timeliness- Recent events have a higher news value than less recent ones.

Proximity- Stories taking place in one’s hometown or community are more newsworthy than those taking place far away.

Prominence- Famous people and those in the public eye have a higher news value than ordinary citizens.

Uniqueness/oddity- A story with a bizarre twist or strange occurrences. “Man bites dog” instead of “dog bites man.”

Impact- Stories that impact a large number of people may be more newsworthy than those impacting a smaller number of people.

Conflict- “If it bleeds, it leads.” Stories with strife, whether it’s actual violence or not, are more interesting.

The newsworthiness of a story is determined by a balance of these six values. There is no set formula to decide how newsworthy a story is, but in general, the more of these six values a story meets, the more newsworthy it is.

Libel is defined as the published defamation of a person’s character based on misleading or inaccurate facts. Newspaper reporters can often run into issues of libel because it is their job to write truthful articles about people that might not always be flattering.

Even though we live in a country with a free press, journalists cannot write anything they want. Reporters do not have the right to state something about a person that could damage their reputation and that is untruthful.

One of the easiest ways to protect oneself from libel is to make sure to always do accurate reporting and to attribute all information in an article. If you write something about someone that you’re unsure about, just ask yourself if it’s true, and how you know it’s true. Rumors, gossip, and information you received from an anonymous or unreliable source are all dangerous to report, and they could run you the risk of a libel case.

The lede (or lead) of a news article is the first sentence, usually written as one paragraph, that tells the most important information of the story. When writing a lede, it is helpful to use the “tell a friend” strategy. Imagine you had to sum up to a friend, in one sentence, what your story is about. How would you sum up quickly what happened? A story’s lede answers the “Five W’s” in a specific order: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

For example:

The Atlanta Police Department will hold a memorial service Wednesday at Holy Christ Church in Buckhead for fallen officer Lt. James Montgomery.

WHO: The Atlanta Police Department WHAT: will hold a memorial service WHEN: Wednesday WHERE: Holy Christ Church in Buckhead WHY: for fallen officer Lt. James Montgomery

Other Examples:

Gwinnett County Public Schools was awarded $250,000 early Wednesday as a finalist for what’s considered the Nobel Prize of public education.

A man beat an Army reservist in front of a Morrow Cracker Barrel, yelling racial slurs at her as he kicked her in the head, Morrow police said.

Examples courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Inverted Pyramid

News articles are written in a structure known as the “inverted pyramid.” In the inverted pyramid format, the most newsworthy information goes at the beginning of the story and the least newsworthy information goes at the end.

After you have written your story’s lede, order the information that follows in terms of most important to least important. There is NO formal conclusion in a journalism article the way there is in an essay or analysis paper.

Attributing information

ALL information in a news article MUST be attributed to the source where the reporter got his/her information. The reporter must indicate in his/her article where material was obtained from – from an interview, court documents, the Census, a Web site, etc. Direct quotes and paraphrasing can be used to attribute information obtained in an interview with a source.

According to a police report, the suspect threatened the cashier with a gun before running away with the money.

In a 500-page government report, investigators reported evidence that the army had committed crimes against humanity.

Integrating quotes

The first time a source is introduced in an article, you should use that source’s full name and title. After this initial reference, use the last name only.

“The swine flu vaccine is an incredible advance in modern medicine,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

When attributing a direct quote, always use the verb “said” and never any other verbs such as “explained,” “whispered,” etc. It is also more common to use the format “XXX said” instead of “said XXX.”

“The housing crisis is growing out of control,” Bernanke said.

Even when information from a source is not used in a direct quote and is paraphrased instead, it still must be attributed to that source.

Bernanke said the recession is probably over. The recession will most likely begin to recede in six to eight months, Bernanke said.

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Master the Essentials of News Writing: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

• Published: November 28, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

In today’s digital age, where information spreads at lightning speed, the demand for well-written news articles is higher than ever. Whether you aspire to be a journalist, a content writer or simply want to improve your writing skills, understanding the basics of news writing is crucial. In this comprehensive beginner’s guide, we will delve into the fundamental principles of news writing, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you craft compelling and informative news articles.

1. Understand the News Writing Structure

News writing follows a specific structure known as the inverted pyramid. This means that the most important information is presented at the beginning of the article, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance. This structure allows readers to quickly grasp the key points of the story, even if they only read the first few paragraphs.

2. Grab the Reader’s Attention with a Strong Headline

A captivating headline is essential to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to click and read the full article. It should be concise, informative, and engaging, giving readers a glimpse of what to expect. Avoid clickbait tactics and strive for accuracy and authenticity in your headlines.

3. Write a Compelling Lead

The lead, also known as the lede, is the opening paragraph of a news article. It should summarize the most important aspects of the story and entice the reader to continue reading. A strong lead is concise, engaging, and answers the key questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how.

4. Stick to the Facts

News writing is based on facts, not opinions. It is crucial to present accurate information and verify your sources. Double-check names, dates, and statistics to ensure the credibility of your article. Avoid biased language and present multiple perspectives when appropriate.

5. Use Clear and Concise Language

News articles should be written in a clear and concise manner. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and complex sentences that may confuse the reader. Use simple, everyday language that is easily understood by a wide audience.

6. Maintain Objectivity

Objectivity is a cornerstone of news writing. Present the facts without bias or personal opinions. Remain neutral and avoid inserting your own views into the article. Let the readers draw their own conclusions based on the information you provide.

7. Write for the Web

In the digital age, news articles are primarily consumed online. When writing for the web, consider the importance of search engine optimization (SEO). Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your article to improve its visibility in search engine results. Additionally, use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make your article scannable and easily digestible.

8. Fact-Check and Edit

Before publishing your news article, take the time to fact-check your information and edit for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Ensure that your article adheres to the publication’s style guide and follows proper journalistic ethics.

9. Develop Your News Writing Skills

Becoming a skilled news writer takes practice. Read articles from reputable news sources to familiarize yourself with different writing styles and techniques. Consider taking a news writing course, such as the one offered by Yellowbrick, to further enhance your skills and gain valuable insights from industry professionals.

10. Stay Informed and Adapt

The world of news writing is constantly evolving. Stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and changes in the industry. Adapt your writing style to suit different platforms and audiences. Embrace new technologies and storytelling techniques to engage and captivate your readers.

By mastering the essentials of news writing, you will be equipped with the skills needed to excel in the fast-paced and dynamic field of journalism. Practice regularly, seek feedback, and never stop learning. Whether you aim to work for prestigious news organizations like NYU or forge your own path, the power of effective news writing will open doors and help you make a lasting impact in the world of media and communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the structure of news writing, such as the inverted pyramid, is essential for presenting information effectively.
• Crafting strong headlines and leads helps grab readers’ attention and entices them to continue reading.
• Maintaining objectivity and sticking to the facts are crucial aspects of news writing.
• Using clear and concise language ensures that your articles are easily understood by a wide audience.
• Writing for the web requires incorporating SEO techniques and making your content scannable.
• Fact-checking, editing, and following journalistic ethics are important steps before publishing your news articles.
• Developing your news writing skills through reading, practice, and additional courses like the one offered by Yellowbrick can enhance your abilities.
• Staying informed, adapting to changes, and embracing new technologies are necessary to thrive in the evolving field of news writing.

To further enhance your news writing skills and gain valuable insights from industry professionals, consider enrolling in the NYU | Modern Journalism online course and certificate program offered by Yellowbrick. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of modern journalism, including news writing, storytelling techniques, and digital media strategies. By investing in your education and continuously honing your skills, you can position yourself for success in the dynamic world of news writing.

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How to Write an Article for a Newspaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on June 15, 2023

Categories Writing

Newspaper articles are essential to journalism, providing readers with the latest news and information on various topics. Writing a newspaper article is not like writing any other informative article. It requires a specific format, style, and tone of voice.

If you are interested in writing a newspaper article, this article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an article for a newspaper.

Understanding Newspaper Articles:

Before you start writing a newspaper article, it is essential to understand the basic structure of a newspaper article. A newspaper article has a headline, byline, lead paragraph, body, and conclusion. Each section of a newspaper article serves a specific purpose, and knowing how to write each section effectively is essential. In addition, it is essential to understand the difference between a news article and an opinion piece, as they require different writing styles.

Preparing to Write:

Once you understand the structure and purpose of a newspaper article, it is time to prepare to write. This involves researching the topic, gathering information, and interviewing sources. It is essential to have at least two to three primary sources for your article and to contact them as far in advance as possible. This will make arranging interviews with them easier.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basic structure of a newspaper article is essential before writing one.
• Preparation is key when writing a newspaper article, including researching the topic and gathering information.
• Writing a newspaper article requires a specific format, style, and tone of voice; knowing the difference between a news article and an opinion piece is essential.

Understanding Newspaper Articles

Definition of newspaper articles.

Newspaper articles are written pieces of information reporting current events or issues. They are published in newspapers and are meant to inform readers about what is happening in the world around them.

The purpose of a newspaper article is to provide factual information in an objective and unbiased manner.

Newspaper articles are typically organized in a specific format, with a headline, a lead paragraph, and the body of the article. The headline is a short, attention-grabbing statement summarizing the article’s main point.

The lead paragraph, or lede, is the article’s opening paragraph, which provides the most important information and sets the tone for the rest of the article.

Types of Newspaper Articles

There are several newspaper articles, each with its purpose and style. Some common types of newspaper articles include:

• News articles: These articles report on current events and are meant to inform readers about what is happening around them. News articles are typically written in a straightforward, objective style.
• Feature articles: These articles are longer and more in-depth than news articles. They focus on a specific topic or issue and provide more background information and analysis. Feature articles are often written in a more narrative style and may include quotes from experts or people involved in the story.
• Opinion articles express the author’s opinion on a specific topic or issue. Columnists or editorial writers often write opinion articles to provide a perspective on the news.
• Reviews: These articles critically evaluate a book, movie, or other cultural product. Reviews are often written by critics and are meant to inform readers about the quality of the product.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of newspaper articles and their purpose is essential for writing a good article. By following a newspaper article’s basic structure and style, writers can effectively inform and engage readers with their stories.

Preparing to Write

Before starting to write a news article, one needs to prepare themselves. This section will cover the three essential sub-sections of preparing to write: researching the topic, identifying the target audience, and outlining the article.

Researching the Topic

The first step in preparing to write a news article is researching the topic. Journalists must gather information from primary and secondary sources to write a credible, well-structured article.

Primary sources are documents or objects created during the event or by someone with direct knowledge, such as interviews, letters, or audio recordings. Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or comment on primary sources, such as books, articles, and reviews.

When researching the topic, it is essential to identify the main points and background information. Journalists must present facts and avoid expressing personal opinions. They should also cite their sources and verify the accuracy of the information.

Identifying the Target Audience

The next step is identifying the target audience. Journalists need to know who their readers are to write an article that is relevant and interesting to them. They should consider the reader’s age, gender, education level, and interests.

For example, if the target audience is teenagers, the article should use simple words, short sentences, and examples that are relevant to their lives. If the target audience is professionals, the article should use technical terms and provide relevant details to their field.

Outlining the Article

The final step is outlining the article. The outline should include a headline, a lead paragraph, and subheadings. The headline should be catchy and summarize the article’s main point. The lead paragraph should provide background information and answer the story’s 5Ws and 1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how).

Subheadings should be used to break up the article into sections and make it easier to read. Each section should have a topic sentence that summarizes the section’s main point. Journalists should use complete sentences and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the reader may not understand.

In conclusion, preparing a news article is essential to writing a well-structured and credible article. Journalists should research the topic, identify the target audience, and outline the article to make it relevant and interesting to their readers.

Writing the Article

Crafting a news article for a newspaper requires a structured approach that ensures the article is informative, engaging, and easy to read. Writing involves crafting a lead paragraph, developing the body, and writing the conclusion.

Crafting the Lead Paragraph

The lead paragraph is the most critical part of a news story. It should grab the reader’s attention and summarize the article’s main points. A good lead paragraph should be concise, engaging, and informative. It should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Journalists should start with a topic sentence summarizing the article’s main point to craft a good lead paragraph. They should then provide background information, using secondary sources to support their claims. The lead paragraph should be written in short, complete sentences that are easy to understand.

Developing the Body

The body of a news article should provide details, examples, and personal opinions that support the article’s main point. Journalists should use English effectively, choosing strong verbs and avoiding passive voice. They should also use citations to support their claims and avoid plagiarism.

To develop the body of a news article, journalists should start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the paragraph’s main point. They should then provide details and examples that support the topic sentence. Journalists should use short sentences and avoid using complex words that may confuse the reader.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion of a news article should summarize the article’s main points and provide a personal opinion or call to action. Journalists should use the conclusion to tie together the article’s main points and give the reader a clear understanding of the topic.

Journalists should start with a topic sentence summarizing the article’s main points to write a good conclusion. They should then provide a personal opinion or call to action that encourages the reader to take action or further research the topic. The conclusion should be written in short, complete sentences that are easy to understand.

In conclusion, writing a news article for a newspaper requires a structured approach that ensures the article is informative, engaging, and easy to read. Journalists can create articles that inform and engage readers by crafting a lead paragraph, developing the body, and writing the conclusion.

Polishing the Article

Editing and revising.

After completing the article’s first draft, editing and revising it to make it more polished is essential. Editing involves checking the article for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. The writer should also ensure that the article flows smoothly and that the sentences are clear and concise.

On the other hand, revising involves changing the article’s content. The writer should evaluate the article’s structure and organization and ensure it is easy to read and understand. They should also remove any repetitive or irrelevant information and focus on the essential points.

Fact-Checking and Citations

Fact-checking is an essential part of writing an article for a newspaper. The writer should ensure that all the information in the article is accurate and factual. They should also verify the sources of information to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.

Citations are also crucial in article writing. The writer should give credit to their sources of information by citing them appropriately. This adds credibility to the article and helps readers find the sources to read more about the topic.

When citing sources, the writer should follow the guidelines provided by the newspaper or publication. They should also use the correct citation style, such as APA or MLA.

In conclusion, polishing an article involves editing, revising, fact-checking, and citing sources. By following these steps, the writer can ensure that their article is well-written, accurate, and credible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you grab the reader’s attention in the first paragraph of a newspaper article.

The first paragraph of a news article is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire piece and determines whether the reader will continue reading.

To grab the reader’s attention, start with a strong lead summarizing the most important information engagingly. Use vivid language and descriptive details to create a sense of urgency and intrigue.

What are the essential elements of a news story?

A news story should include the five W’s: who, what, when, where, and why. It should also answer the H question: how. In addition, a news story should be objective, accurate, and timely. It should provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the events being reported.

How do you write a compelling headline for a newspaper article?

A good headline should be concise, informative, and attention-grabbing. It should accurately reflect the article’s content and entice the reader to want to learn more. Use active verbs and strong language to create a sense of urgency and importance. Avoid using puns or wordplay that might confuse or distract the reader.

What are some tips for conducting effective research for a newspaper article?

To conduct effective research for a news article, start by identifying reliable sources of information. These might include government websites, academic journals, and interviews with experts or eyewitnesses.

Be sure to fact-check all information and verify the credibility of your sources. Organize your notes and keep track of your sources to make it easier to write the article later.

How do you structure the body of a newspaper article?

The body of a newspaper article should be organized in a logical and easy-to-follow way. Start with the most important information and work down to the details.

Use short paragraphs and subheadings to break up the text and make it easier to read. Include quotes from sources to provide additional perspectives and insights.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a newspaper article?

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a news article include using biased language, making assumptions, and including irrelevant or inaccurate information. It’s important to remain objective and stick to the facts.

Avoid sensationalizing the story or injecting your opinions or biases into the article. Finally, proofread your work carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Newspaper features and writing a newspaper

Part of English Non-fiction Year 3 Year 4

Watch: What are the features of newspapers?

Newspapers are designed to share important information with people about what is going on in the world.

Familiarise yourself with newspaper reports by watching this fun video.

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Learn all about what's included in a newspaper report.

Watch: Features of a newspaper article

Watch this video to learn more about the key features of a newspaper report. Make notes if you find them helpful!

All the top tips you need to turn your story into a newspaper article!

Video Transcript Video Transcript

How to write a news article.

Whether it's local, national or international, writing articles on important events is a useful skill to learn. Where to begin when you're writing the news article?

First, you need some news. There has been a break in at this house. The only witnesses are the family.

The burglar has eaten their food and destroyed some furniture.

A good reporter will start by finding out the facts. What happened? When? Who was involved? Where? Why?

Once you have sorted all of your notes and organised the facts, you're ready to write the article.

Every good news article needs a headline. Something attention grabbing: 'Bears Blame Blonde For Burglary.'

Very nice. Everyone loves alliteration in a headline. The same letter or sound at the beginning of each word.

It then needs a subheading to provide a bit more detail about the story.

'Burglar steals porridge and destroys house in ransacking rampage.'

Your first paragraph should summarise and describe what happened as accurately as possible: 'In the early hours of this morning, a burglar broke into the home of the three bears in rural Bearwick. Police are looking for a blonde haired suspect.'

Use your notes to write additional paragraphs and give your reader more detail about what has happened.

You might want to add quotes from your witnesses, using quotation marks.

Printed newspapers have a traditional layout in columns like this.

If your news article is online, however, you won't need these.

But remember both need paragraphs and you should write in a formal way in the third person using pronouns like he, she, it or they.

A well written article will help those who know nothing about the event understand what happened.

Don't forget to add your name to the the article, but leave out your personal opinions. Stick to the facts. The what, when, who, where and why.

So that the article you write can be just right.

Key features of a newspaper

• Newspaper name

The name of the newspaper is always at the top of the page.

A headline is an eye-catching title for your story, which summarises the information in just a few words. Newspapers often use alliteration to make their headlines sound really interesting.

• Short subtitle

The subtitle is a short title that gives more information about the report.

Pictures usually have captions beneath them to explain what is being shown.

• Conclusion paragraph

The conclusion paragraph can explain what might happen next.

What writing style is used in newspaper articles?

The first paragraph should contain all of the 5Ws - what, where, when, who and why.

• Clear paragraphs

Each paragraph should give more detail about the story and be presented in a clear way.

• Direct and indirect/reported speech

Can be used to show the what other people have said about the story.

Facts or statistics can be used to support your points and avoid using your own opinion.

• Formal language

Avoid chatty, friendly language in your report as it should be written to inform.

• Third person

Newspaper reports are written in the third person using the names of those involved and pronouns such as ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘they’.

The main part of the report should be written in the past as the event has already happened.

More on Non-fiction

Find out more by working through a topic

What's the difference between adverts and brochures?

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Writing a report

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Using explanation texts

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15 News Writing Rules for Beginning Journalism Students

The goal is to provide information clearly in common language

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.S., Journalism, Columbia University
• B.A., Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Gathering information for a news article is vitally important, of course, but so is writing the story. The best information, put together in an overly intricate construction using SAT words and dense writing, can be difficult to digest for readers looking for a quick news fix.

There are rules for news writing that result in a clear, direct presentation, providing information efficiently and accessibly to a variety of readers. Some of these rules conflict with what you might have learned in English Lit.

Here's a list of 15 rules for beginning news writers, based on the problems that crop most frequently:

Tips for News Writing

• Generally speaking, the lede , or introduction to the story, should be a single sentence of 35 to 45 words that summarizes the main points of the story, not a seven-sentence monstrosity that looks like it's out of a Jane Austen novel.
• The lede should summarize the story from start to finish. So if you're writing about a fire that destroyed a building and left 18 people homeless, that must be in the lede. Writing something like "A fire started in a building last night" doesn't have enough vital information.
• Paragraphs in news stories should generally be no more than one or two sentences each, not the seven or eight sentences you probably wrote for freshman English. Short paragraphs are easier to cut when editors are working on a tight deadline, and they look less imposing on the page.
• Sentences should be kept relatively short, and whenever possible use the subject-verb-object formula. Backward constructions are harder to read.
• Always cut unnecessary words. For example, "Firefighters arrived at the blaze and were able to put it out within about 30 minutes" can be shortened to "Firefighters doused the blaze in 30 minutes."
• Don't use complicated-sounding words when simpler ones will do. A laceration is a cut; a contusion is a bruise; an abrasion is a scrape. A news story should be understandable to everyone.
• Don't use the first-person "I" in news stories. 
• In Associated Press style, punctuation almost always goes inside quotation marks. Example: "We arrested the suspect," Detective John Jones said. (Note the placement of the comma.)
• News stories are generally written in the past tense.
• Avoid the use of too many adjectives. There's no need to write "the white-hot blaze" or "the brutal murder." We know fire is hot and that killing someone is generally pretty brutal. Those adjectives are unnecessary.
• Don't use phrases such as "thankfully, everyone escaped the fire unhurt." Obviously, it's good that people weren't hurt. Your readers can figure that out for themselves.
• Never inject your opinions into a hard-news story. Save your thoughts for a review or editorial.
• When you first refer to someone in a story, use the full name and job title if applicable. On all subsequent references, use just the last name. So it would be "Lt. Jane Jones" when you first mention her in your story, but after that, it would simply be "Jones." The only exception is if two people with the same last name are in your story, in which case you could use their full names. Reporters generally don't use honorifics such as "Mr." or "Mrs." in AP style. (A notable exception is The New York Times .)
• Don't repeat information.
• Don't summarize the story at the end by repeating what's already been said. Try to find information for the conclusion that advances the story. 
• Avoid the Common Mistakes That Beginning Reporters Make
• Constructing News Stories with the Inverted Pyramid
• Learn to Write News Stories
• 10 News Writing Exercises for Journalism Students
• Six Tips for Writing News Stories That Will Grab a Reader
• Writing News Stories for the Web
• 5 Key Ingredients for Great Feature Stories
• How to Avoid Burying the Lede of Your News Story
• How Reporters Can Write Great Follow-up News Stories
• 10 Important Steps for Producing a Quality News Story
• Learning to Edit News Stories Quickly
• The Secret to Writing Great Headlines for Your News Stories
• Sportswriter Resources: Writing the Short Game Story
• How to Write Feature Stories
• Use Verbs and Adjectives to Brighten up Your News Stories
• The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

If you have a class filled with newshounds eager to write their own front-page stories about classroom events or the latest happenings in the cafeteria, Scholastic Teachables has you covered with ready-to-go resources for your young journalists.

These 5 resources will help students in grades 3–5 learn about the newswriting process and how to add descriptive elements that will engage readers. Not only will they learn how to write a news article, students will also learn important content-area vocabulary that gives new meaning to words like  dummy ,  bleeds , and  widow . Before you know it, your classroom will be a busy newsroom filled with young reporters looking to break the next big story!

1.     Newspaper Writing: Narrative Learning Center

This  narrative learning center  specifically designed for newspaper writing helps students report facts and write a compelling news story that will engage their readers. The printable includes an introductory lesson, student directions, model writing samples, graphic organizers, differentiation tips, and an assessment rubric.

2.     Newspaper Article: Leveled Graphic Organizers

This lesson with  tiered graphic organizers  will help your cub reporters and front-page newshounds learn the basics of news writing. Students will write a news article that opens with a lead, includes who, what, when, where, and why, and presents details in the body of the story.

3.     Newspaper Jargon: Grade 4 Vocabulary

To be true news writers, students need to know the industry jargon. This  vocabulary packet  teaches students what words like  bleeds ,  dummy , and  stringer  commonly mean in newsrooms.

4.     The Daily News: Language Arts Bulletin Board

This  bulletin board  resource not only turns your classroom into a newsroom, it also helps students develop the speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills they need to run it effectively. 

5.     Plenty of Plastic: Grade 5 Opinion Writing Lesson

Every respected newspaper has a robust editorial section. This  writing lesson  helps create persuasive opinion writers by encouraging students to take a written stance for or against plastic bags.

Scholastic Teachables helps teachers like you build the next generation of journalists and newshounds. Even better, these teaching materials are ready to go, saving you time when you need it most during the school year. The printables are free to subscribers of Scholastic Teachables or are available for individual purchase.  Log in or subscribe today  for teaching tools to help your students write news articles that can make a difference in your classroom, school, and community!

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How to Write a News Story

Newspaper article outline, how to write a news story in 15 steps.

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The Purdue Owl : Journalism and Journalistic Writing: Introduction

From Scholastic: Writing a newspaper article

Article outline

I. Lead sentence

Grab and hook your reader right away.

II. Introduction

Which facts and figures will ground your story? You have to tell your readers where and when this story is happening.

III. Opening quotation 

What will give the reader a sense of the people involved and what they are thinking?

IV. Main body

What is at the heart of your story?

V. Closing quotation

Find something that sums the article up in a few words.

VI. Conclusion  (optional—the closing quote may do the job)

The following is an excerpt from The Elements of News Writing by James W. Kershner (Pearson, 2009).  This book is available for checkout at Buley Library (Call number PN 4775 .K37 2009, on the 3rd floor)

1.       Select a newsworthy story. Your goal is to give a timely account of a recent, interesting, and significant event or development.

2.       Think about your goals and objectives in writing the story. What will the readers want and need to know about the subject? How can you best tell the story?

3.       Find out who can provide the most accurate information about the subject and how to contact that person. Find out what other sources you can use to obtain relevant information.

4.       Do your homework. Do research so that you have a basic understanding of the situation before interviewing anyone about it. Check clips of stories already written on the subject.

5.       Prepare a list of questions to ask about the story.

6.       Arrange to get the needed information. This may mean scheduling an interview or locating the appropriate people to interview.

7.       Interview the source and take notes. Ask your prepared questions, plus other questions that come up in the course of the conversation. Ask the source to suggest other sources. Ask if you may call the source back for further questions later.

8.       Interview second and third sources, ask follow-up questions, and do further research until you have a understanding of the story.

9.       Ask yourself, “What’s the story?” and “What’s the point?” Be sure you have a clear focus in your mind before you start writing. Rough out a lead in your head.

10.   Make a written outline or plan of your story.

11.   Write your first draft following your plan, but changing it as necessary.

12.   Read through your first draft looking for content problems, holes, or weak spots, and revise it as necessary. Delete extra words, sentences, and paragraphs. Make every word count.

13.   Read your second draft aloud, listening for problems in logic or syntax.

14.   Copyedit your story, checking carefully for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style problems.

15.   Deliver your finished story to the editor before deadline.

Kershner, J.W. (2009). The Elements of News Writing. Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

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• Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 3:16 PM
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Teaching writing in kindergarten: everything you need to know, haiti names new prime minister to try to lead country out of crisis, israel pushes into rafah as displaced palestinians search for safety, gazan officials say a strike killed 21 in al-mawasi, pope apologizes after reports that he used an anti-gay slur, growing pressure on western nations to expand the range of weaponry provided to ukraine has been escalating as the conflict with russia continues. leaders and military officials are increasingly debating the possibility of allowing ukraine to employ western-supplied weapons to carry out strikes against targets on russian territory. the crux of the argument for allowing ukraine such offensive capabilities is grounded in the desire to create a significant deterrent effect. proponents argue that enabling ukraine to strike back at russia could force moscow to reconsider its strategy and potentially lead to a de-escalation of hostilities. opponents, however, warn of the risks associated with such a move. escalation dominance, wherein one side’s increase in capabilities leads to an arms race, poses a serious concern. there is also fear that enabling ukraine to strike inside russia might provoke a strong retaliation, not just against ukraine but potentially involving western nations more directly in the conflict. the debate involves complex strategic calculations. on one hand, there’s a moral and strategic impetus to support ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. on the other hand, there’s a need for caution and consideration of long-term regional stability and global security. as discussions continue without definitive conclusions, it is clear that decisions made today will have lasting implications for international norms and future geopolitical conflicts. the international community awaits further developments while contemplating the far-reaching consequences of this critical juncture in east-west relations., why lawmakers are brawling and people are protesting in taiwan, three european countries formally recognize palestinian statehood, what we know about the papua new guinea landslide, how to write a newspaper article.

Writing a compelling and informative newspaper article requires research, creativity, and adherence to established journalism principles. In this guide, we will explore the steps involved in crafting an engaging and accurate article that readers will appreciate.

1. Choose a newsworthy topic:

Select a subject with public interest, relevance, and timely significance. This might include events in your local community, political developments, or human interest stories that spark conversation and emotion.

2. Research your subject:

Once you’ve chosen your topic, gather facts, statistics, quotes, and background information. Sources may include public records, reports, studies, interviews with relevant individuals or experts. Remember to cross-check information with multiple sources to ensure accuracy.

3. Create an attention-grabbing headline:

The headline should entice readers into the story by highlighting its main point or emotion in a concise and powerful manner. Keep it simple but intriguing to capture your audience’s attention from the start.

4. Develop a strong lead:

The opening paragraph (or lead) sets the stage for the rest of the article and is often the deciding factor on whether someone will continue reading your story or not. Use descriptive language and address the “5 Ws” (who, what, when, where, why) to establish context for readers.

5. Structure your article:

Newspaper articles follow an inverted pyramid structure—with the most important information at the beginning and secondary details following in descending importance. Start by presenting the essential points before delving into supplementary background or tangential aspects of your story.

6. Craft clear and concise sentences:

Good journalism values brevity and clarity. Write short sentences with active verbs to keep readers engaged throughout your piece. Avoid jargon or convoluted phrasing that may alienate those unfamiliar with the subject matter.

7. Provide quotes for perspective or emphasis:

Incorporate quotations from primary sources or experts to provide firsthand accounts, context, or opposing viewpoints. Quotes can lend credibility and color to stories while maintaining a balanced perspective.

8. Remember objectivity:

As a journalist, your job is to report facts and informed opinions rather than promoting your personal beliefs. Be fair and impartial in your storytelling, giving equal weight to varying sides of an issue.

9. Revisit your article’s purpose:

Periodically assess whether your writing stays focused on the initial intent of your story. Eliminate extraneous details to maintain a coherent and purposeful narrative.

10. Edit and proofread:

Revise your article thoroughly to ensure it is free from errors, inaccuracies, or redundancies. Fact-check every detail to uphold journalistic integrity and maintain the trust of your readers.

By following these steps and incorporating fundamental journalistic practices into your work, you can create engaging and informative newspaper articles that resonate with audiences. Happy writing!

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How to write newspaper articles.

While educating myself with a correspondence writing course, I wrote a number of articles for local newspapers. Although I always wanted to write fiction, the course advised starting with non-fiction and journalism. This is because it is a lot easier to sell a newspaper article than a book, especially if you're writing a piece of local interest and are approaching a local publication.

Having an article published gives you valuable experience in dealing with editors and how they edit (or, in some cases, butcher) your work to make it fit the page.

Writing a gig or theatre review makes an excellent starting point. If the gig is local and you write well, a local paper is likely to use your work. That’s how I started – I wrote a review for a band I played in. Admittedly, this was a bit cheeky, but being in the band meant I knew the music and knew no one else from the paper was there to review the gig. This allowed me to write about the band and the performance convincingly.

To write an article, you need an angle. When the smoking ban was first introduced in the UK, I decided to do a piece on it as I had a friend who ran a local pub. I interviewed him, talking about the impact it was having on his business. The editor loved the local angle and the article went straight in the next edition. A really simple idea, but it worked. By using local contacts, you can produce something unique that no one else might have thought of or be able to write.

I’ve discovered that one thing to avoid when doing this kind of freelance journalism is voicing your own opinion. No one cares what you think. Readers just want the facts so they can make up their own minds. I found editors tend to strip anything out that is opinion based rather than factual. You can describe what happened and allow an interviewee to talk and give their perspective, but your own thoughts are not needed. This technique seems to work well. Remaining unbiased results in a higher success rate.

I can’t really talk in any great depth about this as fiction is my first love and I simply used article writing as a stepping stone to gain experience with having work edited and published. However, the experience I gained from doing this has proved invaluable. For any kind of writer, journalism makes an excellent starting point.

Below are copies of some of the articles I’ve had published in local press; the Bristol Evening Post and the South Avon Mercury.

Bristol Evening Post - Valentine's Day Article - February 14th 2004

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Mercury - Ye Gods! Gig Review - November 11th 2004

Mercury - Smoking Ban Article - December 9th 2004

Mercury - Brain Busters - February 3rd 2005

Mercury - Valentine's Day Article - February 3rd 2005

Bristol Evening Post - Vic Du Monte - April 28th 2005

Mercury - Vic Du Monte - September 29th 2005

Bristol Evening Post - Vic Du Monte - September 29th 2005

Mercury - Ye Gods! Album Release - December 8th 2005

Mercury - Portishead Carnival Article - March 30th 2006

Mercury - Lands End to John O Groats Charity Ride - June 2007

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Stan P Hello. I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. Every time I contact a newspaper outside of Pittsburgh (National and Regional Newspapers) I get turned down because I am not local. How can I get published in other newspapers when they only accept local writers.

Chris Fielden Hi Stan. In my experience, for local papers, you have to come up with a story with a local angle. That was the only way I got into them, apart from in Bristol (where I live) because I’m a local writer. Or tie a story in with local events.

For example, I sent bacon into space once (crazy project…) and got into a Wiltshire (UK) area newspaper and on the local radio because they had an event all about locally sourced ham (Wiltshire is famous for it). Bit of an extreme example, but hopefully you see what I mean. The bacon in the project made it newsworthy for that area at that time.

Re the nationals: you’d need a really strong story to get into one of them – it’s very competitive and they often have in-house staff to contend with too. Still, if the story is strong and original and/or you have a unique interview or information or something newsworthy, most editors would still consider it.

I’ll admit, it’s been a long time since I wrote for a newspaper – about 6 or 7 years – but that was my experience of it at the time.

I hope that’s helpful.

Mani P Dear sir, I'd like you to write articles for our newly opened restaurant, in the Toronto Star or any other famous news paper in Toronto Etobicoke. Can you help me with that ?

Chris Fielden Hi Mani. I don't undertake that kind of writing anymore I'm afraid - I concentrate on fiction.

I'd recommend working with a Canadian author who understands the local publications.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Ravi A Hello. How can send you my articles to be published in news papers? I'm a writer and want to develop my career. Can you help me to publish my articles in news papers?

Chris Fielden Hi Ravi. I'm afraid I can't publish articles for you, as I don't run a newspaper. The best way to go about submitting your articles is to buy copies of newspapers you are interested in and read them so you understand the kind of stories they publish. Then read their submission guidelines and get in touch with them directly to pitch your ideas. In my experience, that's the best way to do it.

I hope that's helpful and wish you the best of luck with your writing.

Jemma U That was useful.

Chris Fielden Thanks, Jemma :-)

Grace J Thank you for the information! I am currently a year 8 (or grade 7, if you are in America) student who is planning to make a school newspaper with friends!

Chris Fielden No problem, Grace! That's awesome news about your school newspaper. Please let me know when you get it off the ground - would love to take a look at it :-)

Penchalaiah K How do I write for an English newspaper?

Chris Fielden Hi Penchalaiah. Most newspapers have contact details on their website. Some have submission guidelines too. So the best bet it to start there :)

Amarachi P I am Amarachi from Nigeria. I have been asked to write an article for publication on a newspaper on my experience as the football captain at my last school.

Chris Fielden That's great, Amarachi.

I wish you the best of luck with writing your article - it sounds really interesting :-)

Valerie T Hi,  I'm  Valerie. I've been asked to write and publish an article as an assignment in school. Can you give me any advice on what topics or areas to write on?

Chris Fielden Hi Valerie. It depends where you hope to have the article published. If you're going for a local newspaper (which is a good place to start) then an article concerning something of local interest might be good. For example, when the smoking ban was implemented in the UK, I interviewed a pub landlord in the town I live in about the impact it was having on his business and a local newspaper published it.

You could also consider contacting one of your local publications, explaining your situation and asking them if they would like you to write about anything specific.

I hope that helps and wish you the best of luck with your assignment.

Chioma N I am Chioma from Nigeria. I am 16 yrs old. I really want to know more about being a journalist. Can you teach me? Thank you.

Chris Fielden Hi Chioma, thank you for your message.

I used to do a lot of writing for newspapers, but I now concentrate on fiction writing and running my blog, so I can't help you I'm afraid.

There are many online writing courses. I'd research some of them as a starting point. Try checking out your local universities - many unis run journalism courses. Or try the Open University and similar educational facilities that operate online learning options.

I hope that helps and wish you the best of luck with your writing :-)

Chioma N Thank you.

Chris Fielden You're welcome, Chioma :-)

Ejoh E I'm a content creator, writer for Cheap SEO Articles but I want to become a freelancer. I tried writing for someone once and he complained. He said it was too short and jumbled. I felt the article was fine. What can I do to make my article better?

Chris Fielden Hi Ejoh. Thank you for your message.

I'd recommend having a couple of articles critiqued. You can do that via a paid service, like the critique service I offer on my website .

Or you can look at platforms that offer free critiques. I list details of those in this resource .

I hope that's helpful and wish you the best of luck with your writing :-)

Eamonn M Good article, Chris. It came up when I googled article writing so your SEOs are working!

I used to write humorous articles for the Bristol Evening Post and was paid about £30 each for them, not bad back in the 1980s. I don't think they pay anything now but I'm thinking of article writing to keep my brain in gear. I'm giving up on short stories. Even the tiniest non-paying mag gets hundreds of submissions a month now. As for novels, there are 8 billion on Amazon and 8 billion authors tweeting at you to buy their book. I can't give mine away. Also, friends and family read articles. No one except my brother is the least bit interested in fantasy and SF.

I enjoyed your short story book and must review it on Amazon. All your advice was sound but there are so many short story writers now that even the lowest paying obscure online zines get hundreds of submissions every month. One's chance of acceptance is getting lower and of money almost zero. Not much reward for the effort.

Chris Fielden Thanks for your comment, Eamonn.

Sorry to hear you're giving up on fiction writing. You're right about the number of authors and submissions, but I find a dogged approach still works. Everyone experiences rejections, but if you keep trying, acceptances still occur. I'd urge you to keep trying.

Article writing can earn you money, depending on who your write for and what you write about. I hope that works well for you. And if you enjoy it, that's great. I find non-fiction easier to write. Well... "easier" might be the wrong word. "Quicker" might be more accurate. Fiction takes me a long time to write. Making things up requires more thought, I think. Writing a bit of fiction and non-fiction is good, though. Each inspires the other. I find the same with music. Working in different creative mediums works well for me. Maybe it will work for you too?

All the best to you.

Paul K Dear Chris, thanks very much for sharing some of the experiences that you had and have made you a great writer in this world. I have perused a few of your articles above and I can tell you're a wonderful writer. My name is Paul, and I'm from Malawi. I once published my pieces of article ranging from short fiction  stories to opinions etc. I'm not a full writer by myself because I have never been trained in writing. I did all these writings out of my interest, and passion. I really  need to pursue this career as one of the best African writer. Dear brother, I need to get good advise from you. For sure, I am not able to pay for a journalism institution as it is very expensive compared to the little income that I earn.

The other thing is that, how can I link with the local newspaper so that I can eventually send my article? Do I need to go to there respective offices and ask for an opportunity  to tribute my stories? How did you do yours?

Please help me with any information you can.

Chris Fielden Hi Paul, thank you for your message.

In my experience, it's best to contact the paper directly. I used to email ideas and articles to the editor and they would let me know if they wanted to print any of them. As I worked with the papers more, I got to know the editors and, on occasion, would meet up with them. That's because they were in my local area.

My advice would be to research the papers in your local area, or publications that deal with your area of expertise, and see what they want from journalists and writers. I started off doing a peice for my writing course about Valentine's Day and the local paper published it because the timing was right and they wanted something on that subject matter at that time - I sent it to them a week or two before Valentien's Day. Then I went on to do gig reviews and articles of local interest. That worked for the publications I was dealing with.

I hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck with your writing journey.

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• A Research Guide
• Writing Guide
• Article Writing
• How to Write a Newspaper Article - Tips

How to Write a Newspaper Article – Tips

Tips to write a good newspaper article, conduct research,  contact your sources.

• Sources must be professionals and experts in a field you have opted to write.
• Always choose certified professional or academic to use their extensive experience to validate the information in your article.
• You can use witnesses who have first –hand information on the topic, event or incident you are covering.

Conduct a Structured Interview

• You can conduct two or three interviews if your topic is detailed and required a follow-up discussion.
• Make all the necessary arrangements to transcribe the interview to ensure you are quoting your source correctly.

Work Out Secondary Sources

• Use the local public library, or government official website.
• Cite all the referenced sources at the end of the article to increase the credibility of the information you provided.

Structure Your Article

Create an informative and catchy headline.

• A good headline informs the reader about “what, when and where” in a glance.
• Keep it clear and brief, not more than five words
• You can also make the headline in the end, after you have finished writing. It will give you a better idea of what to focus on that can appropriately sum-up your article.

Create a Lead or Opening Paragraph

• Answer Five W’s : Before you begin writing a lead, decide the important aspects associated with the story that answers who, when, what, why and where. Emphasize these aspects in the lead of your article. Do not go into the details to explain them.
• Talk about Conflict: Highlight the point of conflict  to develop the reader’s interest
• Specificity: The briefer the better. Summarize the information in lead  and keep it specific to  make it informative
• Conciseness: Learning how to present information in a brief yet effective manner is very important to deliver what your reader is expecting to know. Be concise and relevant about the information you are giving in the lead.
• Pertinent Vocabulary: Try using specific jargon and active verbs in lead to make it interesting, impactful and lively. Avoid passive construction as it may leave readers bewildered with incomplete reporting.
• Update Your Readers: Readers already know the breaking news due to modern media culture and technology. So if you are working for print media, try to update the information instead just regurgitating an old news.
• Honesty: This tip refers to your promise that you deliver the correct information in the article.

Things to Avoid

• Flowery And Exaggerated Language: Remember that you are writing a news article and using flowery language never makes a good news lead example. Avoid overusing unnecessary adjectives and focus on using lively verbs.
• Avoid Redundancy: Smart journalists never waste lead space with random words and unintentional redundancy. Consider this news lead example, p.m , Tuesday afternoon. Try to avoid repeated information as much as you can, come right to the point.
• Formulaic Leads: Delivering information in mechanical tone brings monotonous effect. Your readers want to be entertained so create a lead that is genuine and engaging.
• Avoid Using ‘It’ In the Beginning: Clarity is an essential element of a press release or newspaper article. Never begin your article with pronouns like ‘it’. It can disorient your readers.

Follow a Chronological Order When Writing a Lead

Expand your article with supporting details, include supporting quotations.

• For example, “The baby was unconscious and had his leg broken, stated Police Chief Peter Wilborn.”
• Avoid using too many quotes as the reader may get confused.

Finish Your Article with Informative Link or Quote

Use appropriate tone, easy and clear language, use active voice, maintain an informative tone, polish your article.

• Make sure leads, quotes and references are clear and intelligible
• Check it for any linguistic complexity or spelling, grammar errors
• You can show it to a peer for feedback, critique on voice and tone.
• Revise your articleand create a final draft

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Nikki Haley Writes ‘Finish Them’ on Artillery Shell in Israel

Her visit came just days after Israel drew international condemnation for a strike that killed dozens of Gazan civilians in a camp for displaced Palestinians.

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By Maggie Astor

• May 29, 2024

Nikki Haley, the former Republican presidential candidate and U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, wrote “Finish them” on an artillery shell in Israel this week.

Danny Danon, Israel’s former ambassador to the United Nations and a member of the Israeli Parliament, shared a photo on social media on Tuesday showing Ms. Haley signing the shell. Her visit came just days after Israel drew international condemnation for a strike that killed dozens of Gazan civilians in a camp for displaced Palestinians.

“This is what my friend, the former ambassador Nikki Haley, wrote today on a shell during a visit to an artillery post on the northern border,” Mr. Danon wrote, declaring of the Israeli military, “The I.D.F. will win!”

Ms. Haley finished her inscription with a note that “America loves Israel always,” using a heart emoji for “loves.”

She signed the artillery shell not along the Gaza frontier, in the south, but near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, with which Israel also has a longstanding conflict. She also visited a kibbutz where Israelis were killed on Oct. 7, and her public remarks focused on Gaza.

Her trip included meetings with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, as well as with Yoav Gallant, the country’s defense minister, and Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet.

Ms. Haley’s message on the artillery shell drew denunciations from some commentators, including the author and columnist Wajahat Ali, who said in a video on TikTok : “If you think that Biden and Democrats are terrible on Gaza — I think they’ve been terrible — just know Republicans will be far, far worse, and I give you Nikki Haley.”

In an interview published Tuesday by the Israel Hayom newspaper, which is owned by the Republican donor Miriam Adelson, Ms. Haley said Israel had done nothing wrong in its invasion and bombardment of Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people. And she said the United States should continue to support it unconditionally.

“Israel, they’re the good guys,” she said. “And you know what I want Israelis to know? You’re doing the right thing. Don’t let anybody make you feel wrong.”

Israel’s military operations have killed more than 36,000 Gazans, including thousands of women and children , according to the Gazan health ministry. Many of the casualties, including those in the tent camp on Sunday , have been caused by bombs provided by the United States. President Biden recently withheld an arms shipment out of concern that it would be used in an offensive on the city of Rafah, where displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

When asked in the Israel Hayom interview about civilians who crossed into Israel during the Oct. 7 attacks, she said: “The rest of the world can’t say, ‘Oh, be nice to the Palestinians,’ when these are some of the people who murdered their brothers and sisters.” She added: “They don’t know who to trust. That’s not Israel’s fault. That’s the Palestinians’ fault now.”

Ms. Haley’s comments are in line with her history of support for Israel and rejection of international criticism of its actions. As U.N. ambassador, she accused the United Nations of “bullying” Israel and led the U.S. withdrawal of funding for an agency that helps Palestinian refugees.

She recently fell back in line behind Mr. Trump after previously refusing to endorse him, and Mr. Trump suggested he might bring her onto his team “in some form.”

Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting.

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race: News and Analysis

Republican allies of Donald Trump are calling for revenge prosecutions  and other retaliatory measures  against Democrats in response to his felony conviction in New York.

The original super PAC supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign plans to report that it raised nearly $70 million in May , and that it will spend a further $100 million through Labor Day.

President Biden blamed Trump and Republicans for the failure  of a previous immigration plan , after announcing that he would prohibit migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump called the new action too little, too late.

New Jersey:  Representative Andy Kim won the Democratic nomination for Senate , entering the race to unseat Senator Robert Menendez. While Representative Rob Menendez staved off a tough Democratic primary challenge  from Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, N.J.

A New Approach:   Ryan Busse and Raph Graybill of Montanna chart a different course  in trying to take down Gov. Greg Gianforte: attacking. While Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, won the Republican primary for Senate  against the formidable Senator Jon Tester.

Luring Liberals Back to Cable TV:  Jon Stewart’s and Rachel Maddow’s Monday night programs have become something close to appointment viewing  for Democrats anxious about a close election.

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AI employees warn of technology’s dangers, call for sweeping company changes

A letter signed by current and former OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind employees asked firms to provide greater transparency and whistleblower protections.

A handful of current and former employees at OpenAI and other prominent artificial intelligence companies warned that the technology poses grave risks to humanity in a Tuesday letter, calling on companies to implement sweeping changes to ensure transparency and foster a culture of public debate.

The letter, signed by 13 people including current and former employees at Anthropic and Google’s DeepMind, said AI can exacerbate inequality , increase misinformation, and allow AI systems to become autonomous and cause significant death. Though these risks could be mitigated, corporations in control of the software have “strong financial incentives” to limit oversight, they said.

Because AI is only loosely regulated, accountability rests on company insiders, the employees wrote, calling on corporations to lift nondisclosure agreements and give workers protections that allow them to anonymously raise concerns.

The move comes as OpenAI faces a staff exodus . Many critics have seen prominent departures — including of OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and senior researcher Jan Leike — as a rebuke of company leaders, who some employees argue chase profit at the expense of making OpenAI’s technologies safer.

Daniel Kokotajlo, a former employee at OpenAI, said he left the start-up because of the company’s disregard for the risks of artificial intelligence.

“I lost hope that they would act responsibly, particularly as they pursue artificial general intelligence,” he said in a statement, referencing a hotly contested term referring to computers matching the power of human brains.

“They and others have bought into the ‘move fast and break things’ approach, and that is the opposite of what is needed for technology this powerful and this poorly understood,” Kokotajlo said.

Liz Bourgeois, a spokesperson at OpenAI, said the company agrees that “rigorous debate is crucial given the significance of this technology.” Representatives from Anthropic and Google did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The employees said that absent government oversight , AI workers are the “few people” who can hold corporations accountable. They said that they are hamstrung by “broad confidentiality agreements” and that ordinary whistleblower protections are “insufficient” because they focus on illegal activity, and the risks that they are warning about are not yet regulated.

The letter called for AI companies to commit to four principles to allow for greater transparency and whistleblower protections. Those principles are a commitment to not enter into or enforce agreements that prohibit criticism of risks; a call to establish an anonymous process for current and former employees to raise concerns; supporting a culture of criticism; and a promise to not retaliate against current and former employees who share confidential information to raise alarms “after other processes have failed.”

The Washington Post in December reported that senior leaders at OpenAI raised fears about retaliation from CEO Sam Altman — warnings that preceded the chief’s temporary ouster. In a recent podcast interview, former OpenAI board member Helen Toner said part of the nonprofit’s decision to remove Altman as CEO late last year was his lack of candid communication about safety.

“He gave us inaccurate information about the small number of formal safety processes that the company did have in place, meaning that it was basically just impossible for the board to know how well those safety processes were working,” she told “ The TED AI Show ” in May.

The letter was endorsed by AI luminaries including Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, who are considered “godfathers” of AI, and renowned computer scientist Stuart Russell.

Emmys: ‘The Bear’ Surprises With One Writing Submission; Will ‘Abbott Elementary’ Finally Land With Directors? ‘Baby Reindeer’ Takes the Lead

Variety  Awards Circuit  section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars,  Emmys , Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by  Variety  senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:

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2024 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Directing/Writing (Drama, Comedy, Limited, TV Movie )

Weekly Commentary (Updated: June 4, 2024): Surprising news has emerged from studios regarding submissions for the directing and writing categories for the Emmys, with nomination voting set to open on June 13.

In the comedy category, “The Bear” has only submitted the iconic episode “Fishes,” written by Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo, for outstanding writing in a comedy. Surprisingly, the impressive episode “Forks,” which follows Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as he’s trained at an upscale restaurant, won’t be up for consideration. “Fishes” by Storer and “Honeydew” by Ramy Youssef will be on the ballot for directing.

“Abbott Elementary” sees Emmy-winning writer Quinta Brunson attempting to reclaim her title with the season premiere episode “Career Day.” The show has yet to receive recognition for its directorial achievements, but there’s anticipation that Randall Einhorn might finally make the lineup after directing the finale, “Party.”

A surprise freshman series could also make an appearance in the race. Paramount’s “Colin From Accounts,” with writers and stars Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, is a strong contender. Additionally, the final season of “Reservation Dogs” might earn a long-overdue farewell bid for creator Sterlin Harjo. The series finale episodes of “Young Sheldon” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” could also find their way into the competition after garnering buzz the past few weeks.

In the drama series category, “Shogun” is expected to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, the limited series category is shaping up to be a three-horse race between “True Detective” and Netflix’s double entries of “Baby Reindeer” and “Ripley.”

Read : All Primetime Emmy predictions in every category on Variety’s  Awards Circuit .

Directing (Drama Series)

And the Predicted Nominees Are

Directing (drama).

Next in Line

Writing (drama series).

Writing (Drama)

Directing (Comedy Series)

Directing (Comedy)

Writing (Comedy Series)

Writing (Comedy)

Directing (Limited Series/TV Movie)

Directing (Limited)

Writing (Limited Series/TV Movie)

Writing (Limited)

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With AI writing so much code, should you still study computer science? This new data point provides an answer.

• UC Berkeley sees a 48% jump in first-year applications to study computer science.
• Despite generative AI advances, students are eager to pursue computer science careers.
• Human developers remain essential for creating something new.

One of the most persistent concerns around generative AI is whether the technology will put workers out of a job. This idea has particularly caught on in the context of software coding .

GitHub Copilot can write a lot of code these days, so is it even worth studying computer science now? That's been a question on the minds of math-minded high schoolers since ChatGPT burst on the scene in 2022.

There's a new data point that helps answer at least part of this question: Students are still lining up in droves to take computer science in college.

An eye-popping data point

Let's take The University of California Berkeley as an example, as this college at or near the top for computer science.

First-year applications to UC Berkeley's College of Computing, Data Science, and Society CDSS increased 48% this year. There were 14,302 (non-transfer) applications for these CDSS majors in the Fall 2024 incoming class, versus 9,649 the previous year.

For context, the number of first-year applications to UC Berkeley as a whole didn't change much from a year earlier.

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This was announced last week by Professor Jennifer Chayes, the dean of Berkeley's College of CDSS. She popped these eye-popping stats during a fireside chat with Governor Gavin Newsom and Stanford Professor Fei-Fei Li at the at the Joint California Summit on Generative AI in San Francisco.

There's a role for human software developers

Afterwards, I got in touch with John DeNero, Computer Science Teaching Professor at UC Berkeley, to talk about this some more.

He's also chief scientist at Lilt , a generative AI startup, and he was previously a researcher at Google working on Google Translate , one of the first successful AI-powered consumer apps.

"Students express some concern that generative AI will affect the software engineering job market, especially for entry-level positions, but they are still excited about careers in computing," he wrote in an email to Business Insider. "I tell them that I think many of the challenging aspects of software development can't be performed reliably by generative AI at this point, and that I expect there will still be a central role for human software developers long into the future."

AI can't do new things very well

Generative AI is currently very good at replicating parts of software programs that have been written many times before, DeNero explained.

That includes computer science homework assignments! See BI's coverage on how much ChatGPT is used to cheat on homework .

What if you want to create something new? This is where smart human coders will still be needed. (This makes logical sense as AI models are trained on data. If that information doesn't exist yet or it's not part of the training dataset, the models often get in trouble).

Generative AI "requires a lot of thoughtful human intervention to produce something new, and all consequential software development projects involve quite a bit of novelty," DeNero said. "That's the hard and interesting part of computing that currently requires clever and well-trained people."

"Generative AI can speed up the more mundane parts of software development, and software developers tend to adopt efficiency tools quickly," he added.

What happens at Lilt?

This applies to what's happening at Lilt, which is building an AI platform for translators.

Google Translate first came out 18 years ago. And still, human linguists have jobs and are relied upon when translations are really important. For instance, you can use Google Translate to read a Japanese train timetable maybe, but would you use the app to translate your business's most important contract without having a human expert check it? Probably not.

"To reliably produce publication-quality translations, human expert linguists are still at the center of the process, but by using Lilt's task-specific generative AI models, those experts are much faster, more accurate, and more consistent," DeNero said. "As a result, more text gets translated at higher quality into more languages."

He expects this same pattern to play out in software development: A small team of highly trained human developers will have an even greater capacity to build useful high-quality software.

"And so, future Berkeley graduates will have plenty of opportunities to use their computing skills to improve the world," DeNero said. "Hopefully some more of them will come work for Lilt."

Watch: AI expert discusses generative AI: What it means and how it will impact our future

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