Fundamentals for writing news for radio

Here are some fundamentals for writing news for radio:

  1. Keep it concise: Radio news is typically delivered in short, bite-sized chunks. Aim for 30-60 seconds per story.
  2. Use simple language: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that listeners may not understand. Use clear, concise language to convey your message.
  3. Focus on the key points: Identify the most important information in your story and prioritize it. Leave out unnecessary details.
  4. Use a clear structure: Typically, a radio news story follows a standard structure:
    • Introduction: Grab the listener's attention with a hook or a brief summary of the story.
    • Body: Provide the main points of the story, in order of importance.
    • Conclusion: Summarize the key points and provide a final thought or call to action.
  5. Use a conversational tone: Radio news is often delivered in a conversational style, so aim for a friendly, approachable tone.
  6. Use sound effects and music judiciously: Sound effects and music can enhance the listening experience, but use them sparingly to avoid distractions.
  7. Use a clear and concise headline: Your headline should be short, snappy, and accurately summarize the story.
  8. Use a consistent format: Use a consistent format for your news stories, including a standard intro and outro.
  9. Use a conversational pace: Speak at a moderate pace, with a natural flow and rhythm.
  10. Proofread and edit: Double-check your script for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation before going on air.
  11. Use a clear and concise script: Write your script in a clear, easy-to-read format, with headings and bullet points to help you stay organized.
  12. Use a standard format for dates and times: Use a standard format for dates and times, such as "Monday, March 12" or "5:00 PM".
  13. Use a standard format for numbers: Use a standard format for numbers, such as "one million" or "500 people".
  14. Use a conversational tone for interviews: When conducting interviews, use a conversational tone and ask open-ended questions to encourage the interviewee to share more information.
  15. Use a clear and concise summary: When summarizing a longer story, use a clear and concise summary to help listeners quickly understand the key points.
  16. Use a standard format for weather reports: Use a standard format for weather reports, including a brief summary of the current weather conditions and a forecast for the next few days.
  17. Use a conversational tone for sports reports: When reporting on sports, use a conversational tone and focus on the key points of the game or event.
  18. Use a clear and concise summary: When summarizing a longer sports story, use a clear and concise summary to help listeners quickly understand the key points.
  19. Use a standard format for traffic reports: Use a standard format for traffic reports, including a brief summary of the current traffic conditions and a forecast for the next few hours.
  20. Use a conversational tone for feature stories: When reporting on feature stories, use a conversational tone and focus on the human interest angle of the story.

By following these fundamentals, you can create engaging and informative radio news stories that keep your listeners tuned in.