Broadcast Writing Techniques

Broadcast Writing Techniques and Conventions

• In broadcast news writing, titles usually come before names to maintain clarity and concision.
• Avoid abbreviations unless they are very well-known, such as EFCC, CBN, and UN.
• Instead of direct quotations, use paraphrasing with phrases like "in the words of the speaker" or "used these words".
• Attribution should come before a quotation to provide context.

The Four Cs of Broadcast Writing

• Correctness: Ensure accuracy and truthfulness in reporting.
• Clarity: Use simple and concise language for clear understanding.
• Conciseness: Keep sentences short and to the point due to time constraints.
• Colour: Use vivid and engaging language to capture the listener's attention.

Areas of Emphasis in Broadcast Writing

• Conversational or Casual style: Write for the ear, not the eye, and use a conversational tone.
• Immediacy: Use the present tense to create a sense of urgency and relevance.
• Tight phrasing of sentences: Eliminate unnecessary words and focus on strong nouns and verbs.
• Avoid passive voice and appositional phrases to maintain clarity and flow.

Broadcast Story Structure

• Dramatic unity: A common structure with three parts - climax, cause, and effect.
• Climax: Provides the main point of the story.
• Cause: Explains the circumstances surrounding the event.
• Effect: Gives context and insight into the story's meaning.

Preparing a Broadcast Copy

• Follow specific guidelines for preparing copy, such as typing one story per page and using caps and lowercase.
• Use clear and concise language, and avoid all-caps style for easier reading.
• Consider the visual elements, such as videotape or film, when preparing the copy.