Tips for Preparing Copy for Broadcast

In general, the news stories you write for broadcast must be even clearer than print stories. That's because the listener/viewer doesn't have the option of going back and reading it again. People have be able to "get it" the first time through. Because of that, broadcast stories:

• Are shorter and simpler than print stories
• Usually start with an attention-getting "hook," not with a 5W/1H lead
• Don't contain as much detail, or as many direct quotes, as a print story

Here are some rules to remember when preparing news copy for broadcast:

• Double-space or triple-space all copy
• Use pica typeface and CAPITALIZE EVERYTHING
• Put a slugline (brief headline; length [in seconds] of story) at the top left of each page

Ex.: Student Wins Award

30 seconds

• Use one-inch margins so each line will be about 60-70 spaces in length. FYI: for the average announcer, 16 lines of copy (150-160 words) equals about one minute.
• Omit datelines. Build the location of news into your lead.
• Keep sentences and paragraphs fairly short. Announcers can read with more expression and emphasis when not trying to wade through a long paragraph.
• Use an end mark (-30- or -End-) to clearly designate the end of the story.

Here are some more broadcast writing tips:

• Punctuation tips
• Using quotes
• Using numbers
• Time references
• Using titles, etc.
• Example: transitioning from print to broadcast