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Broadcast Script Writing Guide

Broadcast script writing involves writing for radio and television in a simple and concise manner. There are five key principles for effective broadcast script writing: 1) it is spoken - use everyday spoken words and short, simple sentences; 2) it is immediate - write in the present tense to convey immediacy; 3) it is person-to-person - adopt a friendly tone as if speaking directly to the audience; 4) it is heard once - information must be clear as the audience cannot re-listen; and 5) it is sound/picture - use precise language well-suited to the audio or audiovisual medium being delivered through.

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3K views2 pages

Broadcast Script Writing Guide

Broadcast script writing involves writing for radio and television in a simple and concise manner. There are five key principles for effective broadcast script writing: 1) it is spoken - use everyday spoken words and short, simple sentences; 2) it is immediate - write in the present tense to convey immediacy; 3) it is person-to-person - adopt a friendly tone as if speaking directly to the audience; 4) it is heard once - information must be clear as the audience cannot re-listen; and 5) it is sound/picture - use precise language well-suited to the audio or audiovisual medium being delivered through.

Uploaded by

eojovmk
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Broadcast Script Writing

Broadcast script writing means writing for radio and television. It can also be explained as
writing for ears and eyes. It is different from print media. In the print media, one can write
even difficult words and sometime some long sentences with some complex construction. But
in broadcast script writing, we have to use simple and short sentences.
There are five key principles for broadcast script writing:
1. It is spoken
WE should remember that we are not writing a piece of written literature. So we should
be natural and use the words you know the meaning and which are in your spoken
vocabulary.Use the spoken words of everyday speech. Do not be afraid to use the same words twice
or thrice if it the right word. The broadcast style must be natural.
Example: Do not write like: The Road is not motorable INSTEAD WRITE LIKE;
The Road is blocked or closed.
In Broadcast scripts, do not use abbreviations. Write full words.
We cannot write Like: Don’t, That’s, they’re, won’t, isn’t INSTEAD WRITE AS:
Do not, That is, They are, Would not, Is not, etc.
2. It is immediate:
Broadcast scripts are considered to be written in immediate format. For Radio and
Television, information is considered immediate. Broadcast is a “NOW” medium. But in
print we can publish even history or something which is not immediate.
Example: Do not write: The Chief Executive said today the country’s economy was
booming. INSTEAD WRITE LIKE:
The chief executive says the country’s economy is booming.
3. It is person to person
Writing for Radio and Television must be informal. It is like YOU AND ME medium. It
mean that if you write a script to be transmitted through radio or television, you are supposed
to deliver this script in person to person format. Though, at a time thousands of people would
be listening or watching your scripts to be delivered from radio or television, but they should
feel that they are attached to this script or drama or any information.
These scripts develop friendship with listeners and viewers. When we broadcast any script,
we should adopt a friendly tone. Use language normally your audience use to speak and
understand.
3. It is heard once
When we write a script for Radio and Television, we should keep in mind that the words,
dialogue spoken are heard once and they can not be referred back as in case of print media. In
the print media, we can again read the words we do not understand or miss them. But when
words are spoken at radio and television, they can be heard again, if slipped first time. So,
always use easy, simple short sentence and understandable language and words. Clarity must
be observed.
In broadcast script writing the biggest enemy is confusion. Do not write confused words.
Leave out superfluous information. The idea must be grasped. Use only one idea in one
sentence.
4. It is sound/picture
You should know that your scripts are delivered through sound in case of radio and sound
and picture in case of television. Your words are a bridge between you and your audience. Do
not use vague or ambiguous language in script writing.
Punctuation is absolutely vital. When eyes see a mark on page, the brain reacts in a certain
way and the sentences, dialogues are delivered in a right way.
Always your first sentence should be catchy and attractive.

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