When it comes to creating content that grabs the attention of readers, newsrooms reign supreme.
 
Having initially worked in newsrooms and subsequently in marketing departments, I’ve picked up on a few best practices I’ve brought over to the corporate side when creating written content.
 
In the world of print journalism, every article follows a well-defined structure to deliver information effectively. From the attention-grabbing lede to the informative nutgraf and the engaging body, news articles aim to engage readers from start to finish.
 
While this structure is essential in journalism, its value extends beyond newsrooms. Whether you work in marketing, PR, communications or you’re simply interested in creating written content that grabs the attention of readers, Here are a few elements of news-story writing you can add to your content toolkit.
 
The Lede: Grabbing The Reader’s Attention
 
The lede, also known as the opening paragraph, serves a crucial purpose in news articles. Its primary function is to grab the reader's attention and entice them to keep reading. Content marketers can leverage this technique by crafting attention-grabbing ledes for their blog posts. Whether it's a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a compelling anecdote, a strong lede immediately captivates the audience, encouraging them to engage further with the content. By adopting this approach, content marketers can create an instant connection with their readers and increase the chances of their content being consumed and shared.
 
The Nutgraf: Establishing Your Story’s Essence
 
Following the lede, news articles often feature a nutgraf, which provides a concise summary of the article's main points. Content marketers can incorporate this element by presenting a clear and concise overview of their content early on. By establishing the essence of the content upfront, marketers can give readers a glimpse of what they can expect, enticing them to continue reading or exploring further. The nutgraf acts as a roadmap, guiding the audience through the content and setting the stage for the key takeaways. This approach helps content marketers deliver value quickly and efficiently, respecting their audience's time and capturing their interest.
 
The Body: Engaging and Informative
 
The body of a news article delves into the details, providing information, evidence, and context. Similarly, content marketers can create engaging and informative bodies for their content pieces. By organizing their ideas logically and presenting information in a structured manner, marketers can keep their audience engaged and ensure the content is easy to follow. Incorporating relevant examples, statistics, and expert opinions adds credibility and depth to the content, enhancing its value for the readers. A well-structured body ensures that content marketers can effectively communicate their message, educate their audience, and position themselves as knowledgeable industry leaders.
 
The Kicker: Closing With An Impact
 
The conclusion of a news article ties the narrative together, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. Content marketers can adopt this strategy by providing a concise and memorable ending to their content pieces. The conclusion should summarize the key points, reinforce the main message, and encourage the audience to take action. By leaving readers with a clear call-to-action or thought-provoking statement, content marketers can elicit a response, whether it's sharing the content, subscribing to a newsletter, or making a purchase. A compelling conclusion helps solidify the content's impact and prompts readers to engage further with the brand.
 
Final Thoughts
 
The structured approach of news article storytelling provides content marketers with a powerful framework to captivate and engage their audience. By incorporating attention-grabbing ledes, informative nutgrafs, engaging bodies, and impactful kickers, marketers can create content that resonates and drives meaningful interactions. Embracing the news story structure allows content marketers to deliver valuable information effectively, establish credibility, and ultimately build lasting relationships with their audience. So, grab the newsroom playbook and infuse it into your marketing departments.

​On September 22, 2017, Sarah Hegazi raised a rainbow flag in Cairo at a concert featuring Mashrou Leila, a Lebanese indie rock band whose lead singer is openly queer.
 
For the Egyptian writer, it was an innocuous act validating her existence as a queer person living in a nation that often violently stifles any gender or sexual expression that strays away from the cis-hetero norm.
 
With 35,000 people at the concert—many recording the event—it was no surprise that Hegazi’s photo with the rainbow flag began circulating on social media.
 
She was soon arrested, tortured, and left in solitary confinement for days. Once released in January 2018, Hegazi sought asylum in Toronto—thousands of kilometres away from home, burdened with the trauma and PTSD that followed her.
 
Financially strained and overwhelmed by the bureaucracy that comes with seeking asylum, Hegazi’s attempt to find suitable mental health care failed.
 
She took her life on June 14, 2020.
 
Hegazi is just one example of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people face when trying to access mental health care in Canada. Access to mental health care for those who need it most remains a critical issue, and one that isn’t spoken about enough in healthcare circles, especially when it comes to queer and trans people.
 
But what can healthcare organizations do to make access to care easier for members of the LGBTQ+ community? Here are some points that I’ve learned while working in the realm of healthcare at a time when it’s facing dramatic shifts and has ample potential to deliver value for those on the periphery.
 
 
Having Diverse Mental Health Providers in Your Organization
 
As a queer woman of colour, one of the challenges Hegazi faced was finding a mental health practitioner who could understand the intersection of her identity. Increasing the number of LGBTQ+ mental health providers from diverse backgrounds within healthcare organizations can significantly enhance access to care. Having mental health professionals who can relate to these experiences can foster a deeper level of understanding and connection. Healthcare organizations can actively recruit, support, and retain diverse LGBTQ+ mental health professionals, providing mentorship programs and creating inclusive work environments.
 
 
 
 
Healthcare Partnerships with LGBTQ+ Organizations
 
Community partnerships and outreach collaborating with LGBTQ+
organizations and community centres is crucial for healthcare companies and organizations who want to reach underserved populations. By establishing partnerships, healthcare providers can offer mental health services in a more accessible and trusted environment. This approach reduces barriers such as stigma and fear of discrimination, while also enabling healthcare organizations to gain insights into the specific mental health needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. An example of this is Freddie, a company that simplifies access to PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV. Freddie has collaborated and often advertises on platforms targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
 
Telehealth and Online Resources
 
One of the silver linings of the pandemic is how it transformed healthcare toward a digital future. Access that was once only available in person was now offered virtually. The expansion of telehealth services can greatly enhance access to mental health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Virtual platforms provide convenience, privacy, and allow individuals in rural or isolated areas to connect with providers who specialize in LGBTQ+ mental health. Healthcare organizations can also develop online resources and support networks to provide information, education, and community for LGBTQ+ individuals. These resources can include self-help materials, LGBTQ+ specific mental health guides, and online support groups that foster connections and a sense of belonging.
 
 
Final Thoughts
 
It is crucial that healthcare organizations prioritize the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring equitable access to care and fostering overall well-being for all individuals. By taking these steps, healthcare organizations can play a vital role in promoting mental health equity and supporting the resilience and flourishing of LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s a win-win for both the LGBTQ+ community and for healthcare organizations that want to offer value to patients.