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Essential Writing Guidelines for Broadcasters: A Roadmap for Clear Communication

This guide provides effective writing techniques specifically tailored for broadcasters to enhance clarity and engagement. Key rules include avoiding symbols in numeric expressions, using full names for first references, and incorporating ages only when relevant. It emphasizes the importance of language simplicity and conversational tone. Writers are encouraged to use straightforward vocabulary and maintain short, clear sentences, ensuring that crucial information is highlighted appropriately. These practices aim to improve the overall quality of broadcast writing, ultimately resonating better with audiences.

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Essential Writing Guidelines for Broadcasters: A Roadmap for Clear Communication

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  1. Writing for the Broadcaster Some Rules of the Road

  2. Don’t Use Symbols • Bad: 40 % • Good: Forty percent • Bad: $4 thousand • Good: 4-thousand-dollars

  3. Initials and Acronyms • Use full names on 1st reference and initials after that • Mothers Against Drunk Driving / MADD • For familiar groups – initials on first reference • C-I-A , F-B-I • OPEC

  4. People’s Names • Use formal names unless you know an informal name is common usage • William Kennedy • Bill Clinton • Avoid middle initials or names unless they are commonly used by a well know person • Michael J. Fox

  5. Ages • Only use ages when it adds to the story • Not necessary: The accident injured 41-year-old Mary Smith • Adds to the story: The car hit 9-year-old Jimmy Smith

  6. Age • Use age (and other identifiers) when talking about someone accused of a crime • Police arrested 42-year old Fred S. Smith of Hempstead and charged him with selling child pornography. • (32-year-old Fred R. Smith of Garden City will thank you for doing this, and also will not sue your news organization).

  7. Emphasis • Emphasize words that are important or could be missed by an anchor • Fred Smith said he will NOT run for the city council seat. • Fred Smith said his proposal is the most important issue before city council

  8. Pronouncers • If there is a question about how something is pronounced, use pronouncers. • Lima (LEE-mah), Peru • Lima (LIE-mah), Ohio

  9. KNOW YOUR WORDS • Use simple, but accurate, words • Burglary / Robbery • Half Mast / Half Staff

  10. Use Conversational Words • The city used an herbicide on the park’s grass. • The city used a weed killer on the park’s grass. • The suspect faces court arraignment later today • The suspect will be formally charged with the crime in court later today.

  11. Avoid Formal Words • Bleh: Male, Female, Residents, Perpetrator • Good: Man, Woman, Neighbors, Suspect

  12. Writing for The Ear • Simple, Short sentences • One Sentence = One Idea • Grab Them with the Lead • Write more like you are talking

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