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?

Tops tips for broadcasting News
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 points
4. 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!

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

Radio Interviews
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
Before an interview plan:
1. Make sure the next event, song jingle etc is ready to go before
the interview starts
2. Know exactly what the first question will be
3. What the lines of questioning will be
4. 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.