The hard news story is what we see on the front cover of most newspapers and at the beginning of most radio and television news updates.
Hard news is written in a way that provides the reader with the latest information at hand at the beginning of the story.
What Defines Hard News?
Hard news is defined as having a high relevance, or currency, in the now. Hard news stories commonly report on topics that:
- have impact
- have controversy
- evoke emotion
- involve a person of prominence
- are current
Hard News Structure
- Uses the inverted pyramid style of writing
- Begin with the ending
- All important information at the beginning
- Less important information in following paragraphs
- Least important information at the end
- The first sentence will include the who, what, where, when, and to a lesser extent the how.
- The Why is not focused on in a hard news story.
Hard News Writing Style
- Concise
- Precise
- One thought per sentence
- Short sentences
- Short paragraphs
- Active voice
- Active verbs and strong nouns
- Think "who did what?"
- Present tense
- Simple
- Well attributed quotes
Hard News Language Style
- Objective
- Tailored to the type of publication or broadcast
- Tailored to the intended audience
- Colloquial expressions
- Common clichés
- Opinions presented with facts or context
- Presents a passage of time
- Uses creativity and flair when appropriate
Example of a Hard News Story
In the example below I have taken the story of Robin Hood and rewritten it as a hard news story.
Sherwood sting nabs gang leader
Months of planning paid off yesterday when a police sting in Sherwood Forest resulted in several gang members, including its leader, being arrested. Authorities suspect the gang to be responsible for hundreds of break and enters over the recent months, with affluent families in Nottingham the primary targets.
Police enforced restraints as they escorted gang leader, Robin Hood, into custody from the remote Sherwood Forest property. 'Equality for the poor! Equality for the poor!' He chanted into the waiting news cameras. 'Those rich fat cats won't get away with this! Justice will be served!'
Sheriff Henchman said he was pleased with the sting operation and the actions of his team. 'Everything went to plan' he said. 'We've been tracking these guys for months. We found dozens of sacks of gold coins hidden beneath floor boards in the kitchen. Hundreds of families have been affected. Nottingham is a place where people feel safe enough to leave their doors unlocked, but not in the recent months. Hopefully now some peace of mind can be restored.'
Robin Hood and several of his men will appear in the Nottingham district court on Tuesday to face charges.
Source
Poynter - Clearer, Stronger Writing