Reginaldo Osnildo
Save time and write better with ready-to-use article templates for your local Substack. From reports to interviews, these formats keep you focused and professional.
Pro Templates for Writing Local News That Converts
Hey, it’s Reginaldo Osnildo back again!Let’s be real—some days, you’re staring at a blank screen, wondering how to even start your next post.
What if I told you that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time?
That’s where news article templates come in. Whether you’re covering an event, publishing a report, or interviewing a community figure, having go-to formats can save time, reduce stress, and improve your consistency.
And today, I’m giving you the exact ones I use on Substack.
1. Standard Local News Report Template
This is your bread-and-butter format for covering timely stories, announcements, or updates.
Structure:
Headline: Clear and directSubheadline: One-sentence summaryLead Paragraph: The 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why)Body Paragraphs:
- Key facts in descending importance
- Quotes from reliable sources
- Background or contextClosing: Next steps, call to action, or links to more coverage
Example:
“City Council Approves Downtown Redevelopment Plan”“Project to begin in August, bringing new housing and jobs to the area.”
2. Event Recap Template
Perfect for festivals, meetings, performances, and public gatherings.
Structure:
Headline: Highlight the impact or turnoutIntro Paragraph: What happened and why it mattersBody:
- Event timeline
- Key moments
- Quotes from attendees or organizers
- Photos or descriptions of atmosphereClosing: How people can get involved or what’s next
Example:
“Hundreds Gather for Annual [City] Food Festival”“Vendors, music, and local pride brought Main Street to life this weekend.”
3. Interview/Profile Template
Spotlighting individuals or voices in your community? Use this format.
Structure:
Headline: Name + role + teaser (e.g., “Meet the Woman Transforming Local Art in [City]”)Intro: Who the person is and why they matterBody:
- Background story
- Current work or contributions
- Personal quotes
- Challenges, goals, and insightsClosing: How readers can support, follow, or connect with the subject
Pro Tip: Write your questions ahead of time—but be flexible in the moment!
4. Opinion Column Template
For sharing your take—or publishing a guest perspective.
Structure:
Headline: Make your point clear and boldIntro Paragraph: Your stance and why it mattersMain Body:
- Supporting arguments (with facts or examples)
- Acknowledgment of other viewpoints
- Emotional or local relevanceConclusion: A strong takeaway or call to action
Tip: Keep opinion pieces personal but respectful. Invite conversation, not division.
5. Reader Story Submission Template
Want your audience to contribute? Provide structure so their stories shine.
Provide These Prompts:
- Title
- Who you are and where you’re from
- What happened?
- How did it impact you or your community?
- Why do you want to share this?
- Include a photo (optional)
- Would you like to remain anonymous?
Bonus: Create a form using Google Forms or Typeform and link it in your newsletter.
6. Public Announcement/Alert Template
Need to deliver info quickly? Use this format for emergency or official news.
Structure:
Headline: “ALERT: [Summary of Issue]”Body:
- What’s happening
- Who is affected
- What actions people should take
- Who to contact for more info
- Links to official sourcesFooter: Reminder to stay subscribed for real-time alerts
Example:
“ALERT: Boil Water Advisory Issued in [Neighborhood Name]”
7. Weekly Newsletter Template
Your regular email roundup should feel friendly and informative.
Structure:
Subject Line: Something timely or intriguingIntro Paragraph: Personal tone, a highlight, or upcoming newsTop Stories: Short summaries with linksFeatured Story: Include image, excerpt, and “Read More”Community Corner: Events, announcements, or reader shoutoutsCTA: Subscribe, share, or reply with feedback
Keep it scannable! Bullet points and bold headings help.
8. Live Coverage Format (Optional)
If you’re posting in real time (e.g., public meetings, election results), use this format:
- Timestamp
- Update or quote
- Quick analysis (if applicable)
- Repeat…
Then later, you can turn the thread into a recap article.
Why Templates Work
Using consistent formats helps you:
- Write faster and publish more
- Maintain quality even on busy days
- Build trust with readers who know what to expect
- Stay focused on what matters: serving your community
You’re not being lazy—you’re being smart.
Want All These Templates (and More) in One Place?
If you found this helpful, you’ll love what I’ve packed into my full guide:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, I give you:
- All the templates above (plus extras for monetization, engagement, and newsletters)
- Real-world examples from local journalism
- Tools to organize your content and plan ahead
- A complete 30-day launch plan for your Substack news site
Don’t get stuck staring at the blank page.Let’s make publishing easier, faster, and way more effective.
Your readers are waiting. Let’s give them something to talk about.