In an era saturated with information, the ability to discern fact from fiction is more vital than ever. High-quality and explainers providing context on complex issues are essential tools for informed decision-making, but how do we create them? Can rigorous, objective journalism still cut through the noise in 2026?
1. Choose a Topic Ripe for Explanation
Not every news story needs an explainer. The best candidates are those involving complex systems, scientific concepts, or multifaceted political issues. Think about the topics that consistently generate confusion or misinformation. For example, changes to Georgia’s O.C.G.A. Section 16-13-30, concerning drug offenses, could warrant an explainer breaking down the implications for individuals and law enforcement. Or, consider the ongoing debates around the Atlanta BeltLine expansion and its impact on local communities. These are issues with layers of complexity that benefit from clear, objective analysis.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to trending searches and social media discussions. What questions are people actually asking? Tools like Google Trends can help identify topics with high search volume and related queries.
2. Master the Subject Matter
This is non-negotiable. You can’t explain something you don’t understand. Thorough research is paramount. Consult primary sources, academic papers, and expert interviews. If you’re writing about changes to healthcare policy, for example, delve into the official documents from the Department of Community Health and speak with healthcare professionals at Grady Memorial Hospital. Don’t rely solely on secondary sources or summaries. Go deep. I once spent three days just reading legal briefs before I felt comfortable explaining a relatively obscure zoning ordinance in Brookhaven. It’s tedious, but necessary.
Common Mistake: Relying on a single source of information. Always cross-reference and verify your facts with multiple reputable sources. Bias can creep in anywhere.
3. Structure for Clarity and Comprehension
Your explainer should follow a logical progression, breaking down the topic into digestible segments. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize information. Start with the basics and gradually introduce more complex concepts. A good structure might look like this:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and explain why it matters.
- Background: Provide historical context and relevant definitions.
- Key Players: Identify the individuals, organizations, and institutions involved.
- Arguments and Perspectives: Present different viewpoints on the issue.
- Potential Consequences: Discuss the possible outcomes and implications.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and offer a final thought.
Pro Tip: Use analogies and metaphors to simplify complex ideas. Compare a new economic policy to something familiar, like balancing a household budget. This helps readers grasp abstract concepts more easily.
4. Write in Plain Language
Avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible. If you must use them, define them clearly. Write in short, concise sentences. Imagine you’re explaining the topic to a smart, curious friend who knows nothing about it. What language would you use? This is especially important when dealing with legal or scientific subjects. For example, instead of saying “the plaintiff alleged negligence,” say “the person suing claimed carelessness.” I see so many articles that fail at this simple step. They’re written at the audience, not to them.
Common Mistake: Overestimating your audience’s knowledge. Err on the side of simplicity and clarity. It’s better to be slightly too basic than to lose readers with complex language.
5. Incorporate Visuals and Multimedia
Visual aids can significantly enhance understanding. Use images, charts, graphs, and videos to illustrate key points. For example, if you’re explaining a complex data set, create a simple bar graph using a tool like Tableau to visualize the trends. Infographics are also effective for presenting information in a visually appealing and easily digestible format. Just make sure your visuals are accurate and properly labeled.
Pro Tip: Use screenshots to illustrate step-by-step processes. If you’re explaining how to file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, include screenshots of the online forms with clear annotations.
6. Maintain Objectivity and Fairness
Present all sides of the story without bias. Acknowledge different perspectives and arguments, even those you disagree with. Avoid loaded language and emotional appeals. Stick to the facts and let readers draw their own conclusions. This is where many news outlets struggle, frankly. The pressure to generate clicks often leads to sensationalism and biased reporting. Resist that temptation.
Common Mistake: Presenting one side of an issue as inherently superior to another. Strive for balance and fairness in your reporting.
7. Cite Your Sources Meticulously
Transparency is crucial for building trust. Always cite your sources so readers can verify your information. Use footnotes, endnotes, or hyperlinks to provide citations. Link directly to the original source whenever possible. For example, if you’re quoting a study on climate change, link to the actual study published in a peer-reviewed journal. This is not optional; it’s journalistic integrity.
Pro Tip: Use a citation management tool like Zotero to keep track of your sources and generate citations in the correct format.
8. Get Feedback and Revise
Before publishing your explainer, have someone else read it over. Ask them if they understand the topic and if anything is unclear. Incorporate their feedback and revise your work accordingly. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors and identify areas for improvement. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. We thought an explainer on the local school board elections was crystal clear, but our readers found it confusing. After revisions based on their feedback, it performed much better.
Common Mistake: Skipping the editing and proofreading stage. Even the best writers make mistakes. A thorough review can catch errors that you might have missed.
9. Promote Your Explainer
Once your explainer is published, promote it through various channels. Share it on social media, email newsletters, and other relevant platforms. Consider creating a short video summary to attract viewers. Engage with readers in the comments section and answer any questions they may have. A well-written explainer is only valuable if people actually read it. Think about how you can reach your target audience effectively.
Pro Tip: Tailor your promotion strategy to the specific platform. What works on LinkedIn might not work on TikTok. Understand your audience and their preferences.
10. Case Study: Explaining the Fulton County Courthouse Cyberattack
Last year, Fulton County experienced a significant cyberattack that disrupted court operations for weeks. The incident was complex, involving multiple systems, threat actors, and legal implications. Here’s how we created an explainer to provide clarity:
- Timeline: We established a timeline using information from the Fulton County IT Department and local news reports. The attack began on February 15th and continued to impact operations until mid-March.
- Impact: We detailed the impact on court proceedings, including delays in trials, disruptions to online services, and potential data breaches. We interviewed lawyers who practice at the courthouse and had to reschedule hearings.
- Technical Explanation: We consulted with cybersecurity experts to explain the type of attack (ransomware) and how it likely occurred. We avoided overly technical jargon, focusing on clear explanations of the key concepts.
- Legal Ramifications: We analyzed the potential legal ramifications for the county and individuals affected by the data breach. We cited relevant Georgia statutes regarding data security and privacy.
- Outcomes: The explainer garnered over 15,000 views and generated significant discussion on social media. We received positive feedback from readers who appreciated the clear and objective analysis.
Here’s what nobody tells you: even with the best research and intentions, some readers will still disagree with your interpretation or perspective. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to convince everyone, but to provide accurate and unbiased information so they can form their own opinions. To ensure you’re getting the full picture, you might want to ditch the echo chamber.
What’s the difference between an explainer and a regular news article?
A regular news article typically reports on a specific event or development. An explainer, on the other hand, provides context and background information to help readers understand a complex issue. Explainers often delve deeper into the underlying causes and implications of a news event.
How long should an explainer be?
There’s no fixed length, but aim for a balance between comprehensiveness and readability. A good explainer should be long enough to cover the topic thoroughly but concise enough to hold the reader’s attention. Generally, aim for 800-1500 words.
Where can I find reliable sources for my research?
Prioritize primary sources, such as government documents, academic papers, and official reports. Consult reputable news organizations, research institutions, and expert interviews. Be wary of biased or unreliable sources.
How can I make my explainer more engaging?
Use visuals, multimedia, and storytelling techniques to capture the reader’s attention. Incorporate real-life examples, anecdotes, and compelling narratives. Write in a clear, concise, and engaging style.
How do I avoid bias in my explainer?
Acknowledge different perspectives and arguments, even those you disagree with. Avoid loaded language and emotional appeals. Stick to the facts and let readers draw their own conclusions. Have someone else review your work for potential bias.
Creating compelling and explainers providing context on complex issues is a vital service in today’s information ecosystem. By following these steps, you can create informative and engaging content that empowers readers to understand the world around them. Start small, focus on accuracy, and remember that clarity is king. The world needs objective news now more than ever. It’s crucial to balance clarity and credibility.
