Tops tips for broadcasting News

At the heart of any media organisation should be a steady stream of engaging stories.

The Key thing to ask is so what? How many people will it affect? What type of people will be affected by it and why? How strongly will it change peoples lives?

1. Use a clear opening paragraph to capture the attention. The headline should not be read quickly. It should signal the facts and strength of the story.

2. Think about your style – writing for media is opposite to most writing styles. Start with the conclusion then support this in the following paragraphs.

3. Distil the essence of the story into three of four points4. Ensure the release covers Who, What, Why, Where and

When (5 w’s)

Tops tips for broadcasting News

5. Quotes can bring a story to life. Done be afraid to use them. Don’t end on a quote however always round up the item.

6. If appropriate include name and contact numbers for further information.

7. Back up all the point you make with researched facts and figures.

8. Remember that people are interested in how the information they hear affects them not you!

Tops tips for broadcasting News

Poor example - Nationwide’s new flexible mortgage offers borrowers the possibility of paying off their mortgage five years early; saving them thousands of pounds

Message Example PeopleInteresting radio items you hear are about stories, not issues or agendas. Stories are about people. How they act, how their actions affect others, how they are affected.

Good example - (Message) John Spenny is putting the finishing touches to an elegant chair. In the middle of his woodshed, surrounded by shavings, he is happier than ever! (Example) “None of this would have been possible if I hadn't had the chance to pay my mortgage off early” he said. (People) John took early retirement, ironically the demand for his hand made furniture is keeping him busier than ever.

A studio can appear to be an alien environment and doesn't look like anything exciting is happening. Remember the cliché Pictures are better on the radio! Paint a picture in the listeners mind of what you mean by describing how they will experience of be affected by the subject. Think and talk in visual terms

Radio Interviews

Before an interview plan:1. Make sure the next event, song jingle etc is ready to go before

the interview starts2. Know exactly what the first question will be3. What the lines of questioning will be4. Inform everyone how long the interview will last.5. Let everyone know how you plan to wrap the interview up.6. Have something planned to say at the end.