How to Make a Script for Radio Broadcasting

Writing news scripts can be more difficult than it appears.

Putting together a radio newscast can be a daunting task. An anchor usually doesn't get more than 20 minutes to put a script together; in that time, she must review audio cuts, pick out the most important stories, edit or write stories and make sure the script fits the time requirement. Of course, putting a script together gets easier with practice. For a beginning reporter, there is a lot to remember.

Instructions

General Rules

1. Never take more than five minutes to deliver a news report. Most radio stations have a very tight schedule.

2. Edit your script very thoroughly. Eliminate all unnecessary words and simplify as much as possible. The tighter you write, the more information you can deliver.

3. Check your final script to make sure you can correctly pronounce all the names and words.

4. Assemble the audio files for the newscast. Double-check that they are all there. Note any audio files to be included in the script.

Script Preparation

1. Start with international news. Pick two or three important global stories of the day. This may include conflicts, political developments or natural disasters.

2. Transition into national news. Again, use two or three top stories. If it is a slow news day, use the national stories closest to your area. National stories typically revolve around a presidential speech, government regulation or a popular national topic such as obesity.

3. Work your way into local news. Unless there are many big local news stories all breaking at once, don't include more than one or two stories. These should be quick and to the point. They may also be fluff pieces.

4. Turn to sports. Lead with the one or two big sports stories before reporting any news involving local teams. If you are working the morning shift, report the important scores from the night before; if you are working the afternoon shift, report what times local teams will play that day.

5. Report the weather. Fill time if you need to or cut the weather details depending on how much broadcast time remains. Provide the current temperature and weather situation, as well as a five-day forecast.

References

• Newscript.com: Newswriting for Radio
• B-Side Radio: Writing a Radio Script
• Radio and Television News Directors Association of America: Better Writing at the Speed of Spot News

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish