How to write a broadcast news story

Writing a broadcast news story requires a clear and concise structure, engaging language, and a focus on the most important information. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you write a broadcast news story:

  1. Understand the story: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the story you're covering. Read the script, watch the footage, and gather as much information as possible.
  2. Define the lead: The lead is the most important part of your story. It should grab the viewer's attention and provide a clear idea of what the story is about. A good lead should be concise, informative, and engaging.
  3. Write a strong intro: The intro should set the scene and provide context for the story. It should also include the most important information, such as who, what, where, when, and why.
  4. Use a clear and concise structure: Broadcast news stories typically follow a standard structure:
    • Intro (10-15 seconds)
    • VOSOT (Voice of the Subject, Over Sound of Tape) or package (1-2 minutes)
    • Live shot or interview (1-2 minutes)
    • Wrap-up or conclusion (10-15 seconds)
  5. Use engaging language: Use simple, clear language that's easy to understand. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless they're essential to the story.
  6. Focus on the most important information: Prioritize the most important information and cut out unnecessary details. Remember, you're trying to convey the essence of the story in a short amount of time.
  7. Use visual elements: Broadcast news stories rely heavily on visual elements, such as video footage, graphics, and animations. Make sure you include relevant visuals to help tell the story.
  8. Keep it concise: Broadcast news stories are typically 1-2 minutes long. Keep your writing concise and focused to ensure you can deliver the story within the allotted time.
  9. Use a conversational tone: Write in a conversational tone that's easy to understand. Avoid using overly formal language or technical terms unless they're essential to the story.
  10. Proofread and edit: Finally, proofread and edit your script to ensure it's error-free and engaging.

Here's an example of a broadcast news story:

Intro (10 seconds)

"Good evening, I'm [Your Name]. Tonight, we're following up on a story that's been making headlines all week. A devastating wildfire has swept through the region, leaving thousands of people displaced and millions of dollars in damage."

VOSOT (1 minute)

"According to officials, the fire started on Tuesday afternoon and quickly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but it's still not under control."

Live shot or interview (1 minute)

"I'm joined now by [Interviewee], who's been affected by the fire. [Interviewee], can you tell us what it was like to evacuate your home?"

Wrap-up (10 seconds)

"That's the latest on the wildfire. We'll continue to follow this story and bring you updates as more information becomes available. That's all for now. Thank you for watching."

Remember to keep your writing concise, engaging, and focused on the most important information. With practice, you'll become a pro at writing broadcast news stories!