Timing is crucial in radio
Writing a radio bulletin
Structure each story by using the 鈥榯op line鈥欌 the most important and interesting part of each story 鈥 to hook the audience in.
Remember, the listener only has one chance to absorb what you鈥檙e saying, so your words must be easily understood. Keep your language simple and stay as close as possible to normal speech.
Don鈥檛 use convoluted phrases or complicated words: keep it short, sharp and to-the-point. When a sentence gets too long, split it up. This will also help you stick to the correct timing: a crucial thing in radio.
Avoid beginning stories with dull phrases like 鈥楾he government said鈥 or 鈥楢 survey suggests鈥. So, rather than say: 鈥楾he Fire Brigade Union has said that proposals to close some bases at the weekend and reduce opening hours could lead to a loss of lives鈥︹ say: 鈥楲ives could be lost if plans to cut fire station opening hours are approved, firefighters have said鈥.
Select the most interesting quotations to use as audio clips. Not every story needs one. Remember to attribute quotations by introducing who is speaking: anonymous voices will confuse listeners.
Don鈥檛 use A word formed from the initial letters of other words. - not everyone knows that NICE stands for National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.