News focused content is a way to recap current events and share noteworthy information with your audience. There are many different types of news articles, and each has a unique purpose. To be a good writer of these articles, it is important to stick to the facts and not add your own opinion or bias into the story. Straight reporting, also known as hard news, is a type of news article that simply summarizes what happened. It is common for this type of news to include quotes from sources and other experts.
Often, these quotes are included to help readers understand the broader context of the story and give them a better idea of what is happening. However, it is important to always cite your source when using their quote. The first time you reference a source, use their full name and title (e.g., “Kate Sebelius said the swine flu vaccine is an incredible advance in modern medicine,” or, “Ben Bernanke warned the housing crisis is growing out of control”). Then, when referencing that source again, use only their last name. This helps readers distinguish between your own opinions and those of the source you are quoting.