writingnews

The OLOA Project

Let's become radio journalists

Remember that some radio journalists talk about a script and not a report. A report is a more formal piece of writing (for newspapers, for example). A script is a piece of writing that you will READ. At the same time, the listener will usually listen ONCE. Consequently, forget about long complex sentences and remember that your main objective is to communicate. There are some basic recommendations which can help you write a piece of news to be read aloud, to be heard. You will write for the ear, not the eye. Follow our tips when you start writing:

Write as you speak, as if you’re telling the story to someone.
Make things easier for the listener.
Write in large fonts (14-16 pt) and use large spacing (1.5 spaced).

Do you remember the 3 C's? CLEAR, CONCISE and CORRECT.

A. Be clear. Write simple words and short sentences.

Careful with the choice of your first word. Listeners sometimes miss it!
Answer the 5 W’s (who?, what? where? when? why?) and the H (How?).
Say the most important idea in the first sentence, to catch the listener’s attention. Use it as a hook. However, do not explain the whole strory. Prepare the audience.
Punctuation is important. It helps you read better. Full stops are essential but do not use commas or dots unless necessary. You can give each sentence a new paragraph as you write to read aloud.
You can use contractions (She is becomes she’s).
Careful with names and dates.
Numbers can be tricky when reading a story. Avoid or simplify them. Write the words you will say ( three euros instead of €3). Do the same with percentages (three per cent instead of 3%).

B. Be concise. Radio prefers concrete ideas to abstract ones.

Write one thought / idea per sentence.
Avoid long difficult words.
Avoid use of adjectives and if you use them, make sure they give additional information.
Use specific words (rain instead of bad weather)
Do not use unkwnown quantities (very, quite…)

C. Be correct. Make sure what you say is true and check your grammar and spelling. Otherwise, you can get confused when reading. Look at the reference links for grammar and language practice.

Include facts and opinions whenever possible.
Use the present tense whenever possible. Give the impression that your story is happening now. Pay special attention to verb formation. Have a look at a grammar if you need to!

(adapted from Basic Radio Journalism by Chantler and Stewart, published by Focal press)