9/24/10 Organize Soundbites and Write Segues

Choose one story from Steve Hartman: http://election.cbsnews.com/sections/assignment_america/main500617.shtml

How to Write Broadcast Scripts

Broadcast scripts are meant to be heard and should be easy to read. As a writer, it is your duty to make your script friendly to both the listening audience and the people reading the script out loud. Follow these basic guidelines for writing a broadcast script.

1. The writing should be casual and conversational. Broadcast writing is aimed toward the listener.

2. Create an outline, listing the highlights and main points of the story.

3. Write the body. Include all necessary facts and figures and touch on all highlights. Broadcast stories are typically 100 to 300 words, based on the amount of time dedicated to the story. 100 words equates to approximately 30 seconds of air time. For this assignment, it should be 1 minute in length (about 200 words)

4. Write the introduction. This should introduce the story to the listener in an entertaining way, to "hook" them into listening to the rest of the story.

5. Write a conclusion. This will wrap up the story in a clear manner. You want to end your story with one of your best soundbites. Leave the viewer with hope.

6. Format your script in accordance with basic broadcast script guidelines. Use the Dotson book as your guide.

7. Edit the script for grammatical and factual errors. Present to a copy-editor that can find mistakes you overlooked (we'll do peer editing in this class).


Tips & Warnings

* All copy should be typed and double-spaced. Don't use semicolons. Write out abbreviations. Use underlines for emphasis and dashes for long pauses.
* Don't use slang.
* Fact check. Your journalistic credibility is at stake, so don't be careless. Always keep your source notes.
* Limit the amount of figures you include, as too many will lose the listeners' interest.
* Use conjunctions sparingly. Words like "furthermore" and "however" are a mouthful for a reporter and unnecessary for listeners.
* Avoid relative clauses. "Dracula, who feeds on the blood of humans, only comes out at night." This interrupts the flow. Instead, try "Dracula feeds on the blood of humans. He only comes out at night."
* Use the active voice. "He blew their minds" instead of "Their minds were blown by him."
* Write in the present tense for immediacy. Instead of "The citizens of New City will vote today" try "New City citizens are voting."
* Keep sentences short. The reporter has to breathe.
* Copy should be clear, conversational and easily understood.
* Make your script accessible. Avoid jargon and technical terms that will go over the heads of the public. If you must use a technical term, define it.
* Be objective in your writing, do not editorialize or add personal or philosophical comments. Stick to the story.

You should have a rough draft of your A-Roll by the end of the hour on Monday.