Writing for broadcast, as outlined in this chapter by Mark Harmon, takes a different level of skills than writing for

print. The writer must use all of the techniques that he or she has learned in writing for print and must refine those techniques for broadcast copy. The most important of these techniques is that of condensation. The broadcast writer must learn to select and condense information. The writer must learn that an even higher value is placed on brevity than in writing for print. By the end of this chapter, the student should understand this demand for condensation and brevity that is made on the broadcast writer. The student should also understand the essential differences and similarities that exist between writing for broadcast and writing for print. Key terms and concepts Students should understand the following terms and concepts : Selection of news While many of the basic news values are still at work in the selection of broadcast news, the broadcast journalist works with an additional set of considerations. Timeliness is one of the most important of those considerations. Broadcast news emphasizes immediacy; the news that is the latest is often the news that is mentioned first. The emphasis on information rather than explanation is another of those considerations. Students should understand that the broadcast medium is generally not one that allows time for a full and complete development of a story. Getting information to listeners and viewers is of primary importance. The audio or visual impact of a story is another important consideration in the selection of news for broadcast. A story that has good pictures or compelling audio is likely to be used over a story that does not. In going over these considerations with your students, you may want to review the news values discussed in Chapter 4 and talk with them about how these values are changed or enhanced by the considerations of a broadcast journalist. Differences in style Throughout this chapter a number of differences in writing style between broadcast writing and writing for print are mentioned. Style rules in broadcast writing are designed primarily to make it easy on a news reader to read out loud. Sentences are short, and punctuation should be kept to a minimum. Writing for the ear, not the eye This is the key difference between writing for broadcast and writing for print. Students need to understand that what they are writing will be read aloud, not read silently. The listener has no opportunity to go back and rehear a news broadcast to see what he or she has missed. In that regard, clarity in writing becomes one of the chief goals of the writer. Dramatic unity The most common story structure for the broadcast news story is dramatic unity with its three parts: climax, cause and effect. Students should also

understand the importance of an attention-getting lead in making sure that listeners hear and understand their stories. Such leads require a deft touch on the part of the writer. They may look easy to produce at first glance, but they are more difficult to do well than they appear. Phonetic spelling Broadcast writers should learn how and when to use phonetic spellings for words or names that will be unfamiliar to the reader. Students should remember that broadcast copy is often written on deadline, and news readers may not have time to practice reading their copy before they go on the air. A good exercise for students is to have them spell their names phonetically. Links and resources Broadcast news writing. Although this site is intended for high school students, it is suitable for any beginning broadcast writer. This link directs visitors to 16 tips for making broadcast writing strong and sound. Also on the site are handouts of the process of broadcasting, from video production to interviewing. Newswriting for the radio. Dont forget about the radio. Broadcast writing is just as important, if not more so, to radio broadcasters. This site offers advice and tips on all types of radio stories including in-depth and vivid styles. Successful television news: jobs and resources. If you want a job in the television industry, this site offers commentary on the current events of TV journalism, links to jobs and other resources for broadcasters. Boom goes the dynamite. This is a must see for aspiring broadcast students. No matter how hard you try, you are bound to make mistakes along the way. Hopefully, you wont ever have a broadcast go as badly as this one did for a college sportscaster. Cybercollege. A good Cybercollege site on production values. Newslab. This site argues for improved quality in television newscasts. Additional assignments The following are some additional broadcast writing assignments provided by Mark Harmon, the author of the chapter. Assignment 1, Health matters: You are working as an intern at WATE, Knoxville, Tennessee. The anchor, Lori Tucker, normally does a health report called Health Matters, but today has to be out of the station for a dental appointment. She has assigned you to write for her a V/S/V from the following material. She says it should run between 30 and 60 seconds.

From ABC NewsOne Satellite Feed Interview with Michele Murphy / Patient: It's very hard to walk. It's hard to go shopping. It's hard to stand on your heels because your heel is always in pain. I tried stretching exercises, shoe insets, anti-inflammatory drugs, even cortisone shots. The only thing that really worked was wearing a very low heel and a shoe with lots of room for my toes. It only took a few minutes to get used to it, and Im walking without pain for the first time in months. Download the whole assignment. Assignment 2, Ship seizure: You are the reporter for this package. You are working for CNN. Your notes, interviews and available video are below. You recorded no stand-up. Script a package. You should turn in two different scripts, an edit script and a toss/tag script. The package should run no longer than 1:20; total time with toss (and optional tag) should run no longer than 1:45. Tape number 237. Anchor: Kim Fox. Download the whole assignment. Assignment 3, Stocks package: You are to create a package from the attached material. Remember you must create two scripts: 1) an edit script of how the piece should be edited, 2) a toss script that includes the anchor introduction and the needed supers. You may choose to create one or more graphics for inclusion in the package. Sample wording is below. You may choose to highlight something else. This sample is solely to demonstrate form.