How to Write a Script for a Television Newscast

Broadcast copy must be written for the ear, and viewers only get one chance to hear the story. Television news journalists have less than two minutes to tell a story. They must choose only the most important information to convey to the audience and immediately grab the reader’s attention.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep it conversational. Viewers do not have copies of the script and cannot go back to reread something they missed. Use simple words expressed in a conversational tone.

2. Grab the viewer’s attention. Television news stories must capture the viewer’s attention or face the possibility of losing the audience. Leads act more like a newspaper headline, demanding the viewer’s attention.

3. Use strong nouns and verbs to write a script. Match the writing to the video to accurately portray the story. Let the pictures convey feelings and emotions. Employ action verbs to tell the story.

4. Make it short. Anchors can read only so many words without gasping, and viewers can only absorb so much information at one time. Convey one idea per sentence. Most television news stories are under two minutes. Choose the most important information that the public needs to know.

5. Enhance the story. Reporters add a standup, a segment during which a reporter speaks on camera conveying important information. Other reporters use sound on tape to communicate quotes and interviews.