writing
Broadcast Writing (for ear)
COMM 205
Writing for the Media
Week 9
Keep it simple
You have one shot at engaging your audience
Most of course devoted to learning skills
– but much of media writing involves issues, such as ethics
– this week we will be learning about the issue of News Values
– there has been much discussion of this in journalism over past 50 years
– much research done on what makes some things news
– and other things else not news
*Millions of events occur every day in the world, but only a relative few make the news**
-- WHY IS THAT??
– First we will talk about how the process of news selection is supposed to work in theory
– then I’ll tell you about some interesting research that has been done
– which reveals how it actually happens
Very simple
One thought per sentence.
Each sentence is a paragraph.
Karen took her last scuba dive yesterday.
She was 35 years old.
Karen was attacked by a goldfish.
Very simple
One idea/thing per sentence.
The police chased the bank robber down the alley. The robber dropped a paper bag containing hundred dollar bills. The police arrested the man. The man is known to police.
Structure is simple too
No commas and no dependent clauses:
The comma, which serves to isolate dependent clauses, has no place in broadcast writing. (WRONG)
The comma has no place in broadcast writing. A comma serves to isolate dependent clauses. (CORRECT. Breaks the dependent clauses into two sentences)
Short sentences
Short sentences of no longer than 16 words:
Broadcast sentences that are long and wordy will be difficult to read and perform and that will result in you tripping over your script and possibly not making your on-air slot.
(32 words – WRONG)
Short sentences correct
Short sentences of no longer than 16 words:
Broadcast sentences that are long and wordy will be difficult to read and perform. (14) You risk tripping over your script. (6) And you might possibly miss your on-air slot. (9)
Use simple language
NO adjectives and fancy words
Use simple language
Avoid adjectives and fancy words:
The sharply-dressed octogenarian male person traversed the lengthy corridor and then plummeted down the stairwell.
(WRONG)
The man tumbled head first down the stairs. He looked to be in his 80s. (CORRECT)
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