Broadcast Journalism 101: Radio and Podcast Journalism - Writing for Radio Short leads attribution Present-Tense

What This Is

Writing for radio is a crucial skill for broadcast journalists, as it allows them to convey complex information in a concise and engaging manner. A well-written radio package can quickly deliver breaking news, provide context, and capture the audience's attention. For example, the BBC's coverage of the 2019 UK general election used a combination of live reports, pre-recorded packages, and soundbites to keep viewers informed and up-to-date. A VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Still Image) segment, where a reporter speaks directly to camera while a relevant image plays in the background, is a staple of radio news packages.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: Reporter speaking directly to camera on location – adds authority and a sense of place; use to transition or prove you’re there.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location – brings a story to life; never leave home without recording room tone.
• Soundbite: A short clip of audio, often from an interview or press conference, used to illustrate a point or add context; use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the listener.
• Package: A self-contained radio segment, typically 90 seconds or less, that includes a stand-up, soundbites, and nat sound; use to tell a complete story.
• Reader: A scripted segment, often used to provide background information or context; use to set up a package or stand-alone segment.
• Voice-over (VO): A pre-recorded audio segment, often used to provide narration or context; use to add depth and complexity to a package.
• LIVE cross: A live report from a remote location, often used to provide breaking news or real-time updates; use to add immediacy and urgency to a story.
• B-roll: Secondary footage, often used to illustrate a point or add visual interest; use to break up a stand-up or package.
• White balance: Adjusting the camera's color temperature to match the lighting conditions; use to avoid color casts and ensure accurate color representation.
• Gain: Adjusting the audio levels to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio; use to avoid distortion and ensure clear audio.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on one key point.
   • Use simple language and avoid jargon.
   • Script format: [INTRO] [BODY] [CLOSING]
   • Example: "Good evening, I'm [reporter name]. Tonight, we're looking at the impact of climate change on local wildlife."
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Start with a hook to grab the listener's attention.
   • Provide background information and context through a reader or soundbites.
   • Use nat sound and B-roll to illustrate the story.
   • End with a conclusion and a call to action.
   • Example: "Good evening, I'm [reporter name]. Tonight, we're looking at the impact of climate change on local wildlife. [READER] [SOUNDBITE] [NAT SOUND] [B-ROLL] [CLOSING]"
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Use a key light to illuminate the subject's face.
   • Add a fill light to soften the shadows and reduce contrast.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Example: Use a LED panel as the key light, a softbox as the fill light, and a sidelight as the backlight.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone, such as a shotgun or lavalier.
   • Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise.
   • Use audio editing software, such as Audacity, to clean up the audio and remove any unwanted noise.
   • Example: Use a Rode NTG4+ microphone and record in a quiet room with a pop filter.

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: This can result in a dry, monotone delivery that fails to engage the listener.
• Forgetting to white balance: This can result in color casts and inaccurate color representation.
• Not using a lavalier microphone: This can result in poor audio quality and a lack of intimacy with the subject.
• Not cleaning up the audio: This can result in a noisy and distracting listening experience.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a 30-second reader, structuring a 90-second package, and recording a clean voice-over.
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT, gain vs iris, and cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and engagement in the writing and delivery, as well as technical proficiency in recording and editing.

Quick Practice Scenario

You arrive at a protest and only have 20 minutes before the live cross. What do you shoot first?

• Answer: You shoot B-roll of the protest, including the crowd, signs, and police presence. This will give you visual interest and context for the live cross.
• Broadcast rationale: B-roll is essential for adding visual interest and context to a live cross. By shooting B-roll first, you can ensure that you have the necessary footage to tell the story and engage the audience.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, soundbite, package, reader, voice-over, live cross, B-roll, white balance, gain.
• Camera settings: ISO 400, shutter speed 1/50, aperture f/2.8.
• Script formatting rules: [INTRO] [BODY] [CLOSING].
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, Forgetting to white balance, Not using a lavalier microphone, Not cleaning up the audio.