Radio Bulletin<\/strong><\/td>\n| 30\u2013120 seconds<\/td>\n | 60\u2013250 words<\/td>\n | Audio-only delivery; focus on descriptive storytelling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Broadcast scripts are written to sound natural when read aloud, not for silent reading, so keep the word count aligned with speaking pace: roughly 120\u2013160 words per minute.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 3: Structure Your Story Like a Journalist<\/span><\/h3>\nGood storytelling in a news script isn\u2019t just about facts \u2014 it\u2019s about flow and clarity<\/strong>. A standard broadcast structure follows:<\/p>\n\n- Lead (Lede)<\/strong>: Your opening line should immediately convey the main fact of the story \u2014 the \u201cwhat\u201d and \u201cwhere.\u201d Keep it short and active.<\/li>\n
- Nut Graph \/ Context<\/strong>: Explain why this story matters. Include background or additional context to help viewers understand.<\/li>\n
- Body<\/strong>: Present details, sequence of events, quotes, statistics, and any sound bites. Organize in order of importance (inverted pyramid style).<\/li>\n
- Close \/ Kicker<\/strong>: End with a human detail, a forward-looking statement, or a call to action.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Example Lead vs Bad Lead:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Bad: There was flooding in the city yesterday.<\/em><\/li>\n
- Good: Heavy overnight storms flooded downtown Springfield, stranding commuters and cutting power to thousands.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Notice the specificity and active verbs in the better lead.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 4: Write the Lead for Maximum Impact<\/span><\/h3>\nThe lead is the first impression of your story. It should grab attention and deliver the main facts immediately. Tips:<\/p>\n \n- Use active voice and strong verbs.<\/li>\n
- Include location if relevant.<\/li>\n
- Keep it short and punchy \u2014 ideally 12\u201320 words.<\/li>\n
- Avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse the audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For instance, instead of saying:<\/p>\n \u201cA storm affected the city last night.\u201d<\/p>\n Say:<\/p>\n \u201cA sudden storm swept through downtown Springfield overnight, flooding streets and knocking out power to 30,000 homes.\u201d<\/p>\n The difference is clear: the second lead provides context, impact, and a human dimension.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 5: Write for the Ear, Not the Eye<\/span><\/h3>\nBroadcast scripts need to sound natural when spoken. Written language can be dense, but spoken language is simple and rhythmic. Keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n \n- Use short sentences and natural phrasing.<\/li>\n
- Include contractions to mimic conversation.<\/li>\n
- Break long ideas into two sentences.<\/li>\n
- Read your script aloud as you write \u2014 if it trips you up, it will trip the anchor too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cCity officials say the flood hit early this morning. Roads are closed, and crews are working to clear debris.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s simple, clear, and easy to follow on air.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 6: Integrate Sound Bites and Visuals<\/span><\/h3>\nFor TV and online videos, your script must guide visuals and audio. Plan for:<\/p>\n \n- B-roll<\/strong>: Footage that illustrates your story.<\/li>\n
- SOTs (Sound on Tape)<\/strong>: Quotes from people, experts, or officials.<\/li>\n
- Nat Sound<\/strong>: Ambient audio that adds realism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A short formatted example:<\/p>\n ANCHOR: (Lead) A strong storm swept through East Valley last night, cutting power to thousands.<\/p>\n VO: (Video: streets covered in water) Crews worked through the morning to clear roads as residents checked their homes for flooding.<\/p>\n SOT (Resident): “We woke up to our street gone. It’s shocking.”<\/p>\n Parentheticals guide production and ensure the story flows naturally on air.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 7: Keep Sentences Short and Verbs Strong<\/span><\/h3>\nShort, strong sentences make scripts easier to read and understand. Use active verbs<\/strong> like cut, slammed, surged, rescued, evacuated<\/em>. Avoid weak verbs like was<\/em> or had been<\/em> unless necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeak<\/strong><\/td>\nStrong<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| The storm was over the city.<\/td>\n | The storm slammed the city.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| There was flooding on the roads.<\/td>\n | Floodwaters covered the roads.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Officials had to respond quickly.<\/td>\n | Officials rushed to respond.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Short, vivid sentences also help anchors maintain pace during live delivery.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 8: Attribute Every Fact and Quote<\/span><\/h3>\nCredibility is everything in news. Always attribute facts and quotes:<\/p>\n \n- Wrong: Officials say the program will help.<\/em><\/li>\n
- Right: City spokesman Linda Perez says the new program will help families afford rent.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For data or statistics, always cite the source:<\/p>\n \u201cAccording to the Department of Health, hospital admissions rose 12% last month.\u201d<\/p>\n Attribution is both ethical and protects against legal issues.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 9: Use a Simple Style Guide<\/span><\/h3>\nConsistency improves readability and reduces errors. Keep rules for:<\/p>\n \n- Names<\/strong>: Full name + title on first mention; last name thereafter.<\/li>\n
- Numbers<\/strong>: Spell out 1\u20139; numerals 10+; read clearly for broadcast.<\/li>\n
- Times\/Dates<\/strong>: \u201cAt 6 a.m. Monday\u201d or \u201con March 5.\u201d Avoid abbreviations that confuse listeners.<\/li>\n
- Acronyms<\/strong>: Spell out on first use, then use abbreviation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Step 10: Add Production and Timing Notes<\/span><\/h3>\nBroadcast scripts need timing for pacing. Use a table like this:<\/p>\n \n\n\nSection<\/strong><\/td>\nWords<\/strong><\/td>\nTime (Approx)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Lead<\/td>\n | 20<\/td>\n | ~10 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| VO Body<\/td>\n | 180<\/td>\n | ~60 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| SOT<\/td>\n | 20\u201340<\/td>\n | ~10\u201320 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Close<\/td>\n | 15<\/td>\n | ~7 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n These notes help producers, editors, and anchors hit precise durations.<\/p>\n <\/span>Step 11: Write Strong Transitions<\/span><\/h3>\nSmooth transitions keep your story coherent. Use phrases like:<\/p>\n | | | | | | | |