Broadcast writing style tips
نسیم انور خٹک
General rules of writing
1. The best way to learn broadcast style is to listen to radio deejays and television anchors/reporters.
2. Write clearly. Read copy aloud to hear how it sounds.
3. Use conversational style—simple and direct.
4. Transitions are necessary, but pay close attention to how natural they sound in the broadcast.
5. Use active voice.
6. Emphasize the latest news of a continuing story, but give necessary background early to provide context for the story. The rule is that every story should stand on its own.
7. Use present tense, but don’t belabor it. Not every story must sound as if it just happened moments before the newscast.
8. Don’t cram too much information into the lead. The 5 W’s and H lead (from the print media) will confuse audience. Try for a softer lead with non-essential facts that get audience’s attention to the story but are not too complex.
9. At the same time, don’t underestimate your audience and talk down to them.
10. Keep sentences short (easier for broadcaster to say and easier for listener to follow) and economical (give necessary info in as few words as possible).
11. Avoid highly technical words, professional jargon, clichés and obfuscation by bureaucrats.
12. Avoid sexism in pronouns.
13. Find the lead, then tell story chronologically.
14. Answer logical questions, and if you don’t know the answer, say so but do not ignore the question.
15. Use humor sparingly. Humor often muddles the distinction between a serious subject and a lighthearted one.
1. The best way to learn broadcast style is to listen to radio deejays and television anchors/reporters.
2. Write clearly. Read copy aloud to hear how it sounds.
3. Use conversational style—simple and direct.
4. Transitions are necessary, but pay close attention to how natural they sound in the broadcast.
5. Use active voice.
6. Emphasize the latest news of a continuing story, but give necessary background early to provide context for the story. The rule is that every story should stand on its own.
7. Use present tense, but don’t belabor it. Not every story must sound as if it just happened moments before the newscast.
8. Don’t cram too much information into the lead. The 5 W’s and H lead (from the print media) will confuse audience. Try for a softer lead with non-essential facts that get audience’s attention to the story but are not too complex.
9. At the same time, don’t underestimate your audience and talk down to them.
10. Keep sentences short (easier for broadcaster to say and easier for listener to follow) and economical (give necessary info in as few words as possible).
11. Avoid highly technical words, professional jargon, clichés and obfuscation by bureaucrats.
12. Avoid sexism in pronouns.
13. Find the lead, then tell story chronologically.
14. Answer logical questions, and if you don’t know the answer, say so but do not ignore the question.
15. Use humor sparingly. Humor often muddles the distinction between a serious subject and a lighthearted one.
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