Writing For Broadcast

(adapted from “Lecture Notes Week 9” Mass Communication 102, U of Alabama, College of Communication & Information Science. The page used to be available online, but has been taken down or moved. I have added to the information, condensed a few parts, added links and otherwise adjusted the content to fit our needs.)

Broadcast Writing vs. Print

Shorter (total length, shorter words, shorter sentences)
Style rules are different
No inverted pyramid in broadcast; instead uses dramatic unity
Consider audio and visuals (Remember: live audio and video, stock footage, stills, graphics, and reporter standing in front of a scene all can be used)
Consider time (30 seconds or less, usually)

Dramatic Unity

Climax—the end of the story, the most important or dramatic thing that happened. This comes first!
Cause—why did it happen? What are the circumstances and facts that help illuminate the climax? Help viewer understand what happened and why.
Effect—explain the outcome, effect, or future of the event; attempt a satisfying conclusion

Writing Style Differences

Short, simple sentences (Subject-verb-object)
Use the present tense more often
Attribution handled differently
Details, including numbers handled differently
Pronunciation: you must pay attention to how words sound

Four Characteristics of all Good Media Writing

Accuracy
Completeness
Efficiency
Precision

Broadcast writing values efficiency, but should not do so at the expense of the other characteristics.

Efficiency: using the fewest words to present your information accurately and clearly.

Difficulties in efficiency/Barriers to Good Broadcast Writing:

Most of us write inefficiently and do not edit well
Inefficient writing is all around us

Criticisms of broadcast news (Pitfalls to avoid!)

Too short and too shallow. Most broadcast stories are 20 to 30 seconds long.
Pictures or audio drive a story.
Emphasizes the superficial rather than the substantive. Critics say reporters emphasize the sensational or most unusual aspect of the story, rather than what is most important
Broadcast news writers depend on clichés rather than information, particularly to end their stories. Many reporters end with a statement that effectively says, “who knows” or “we’ll have to wait and see”