Radio script writing techniques

Writing for radio is different than writing for print. Radio writing is writing for the ear, not the eye. Listeners have to get it the first time around, they can’t go back and hear it again; unlike re-reading a sentence in a magazine. While a reader may get up and come back to an article, a radio listener who gets up may not come back. So, the primary goal of a radio script is to grab and holding the attention of a listener.  Before writing a script, one should probably have a good idea of what the story is going to sound like. The place to start is usually the “anchor intro”- this is what the announcer/host will say to introduce the story. An anchor intro quickly sets up the story and puts it in context, without giving away too much. It should also introduce the reporter/producer.

1.       Keep it short and simple

Radio journalists need to be able to pick the best, most newsworthy audio clips, and write clear and informative scripts that introduce the material they have collected.

The script is what makes sense of the sounds. It is the framework for your story. It brings together the most important elements, and helps your audience understand the significance of the points made by the people you have interviewed. It’s not just about sounds; it’s about words, too.

The script should be written in simple, short sentences. Try to use everyday language and terms your audience will understand. It should not contain any complicated concepts that could confuse and distract.

2.      Introduce the audio

The script should offer the audience introductions to the audio you are including. It should tell the listener what’s coming up without repeating the words they are about to hear. Don’t summarise too much; you should not take away from the power of the clips in your piece.

3.      Grab the attention

You are crafting a tease to material that is designed to make people stop and listen. The language should be in the active tense. The most important information must feature in the first few sentences. However, the quality should be consistent throughout, and the script must not tail off at the end.

4.      Script should be factual

Your script should be factual, without comment or descriptive words. Don’t try to attract listeners by including your own emotions. That’s not your job. Those who listen to your radio package will make their own decisions about the power of the information you are broadcasting.

5.      Editorial ethics

Check your script against the editorial ethics of objectivity, impartiality and fairness. Do not give undue weight to one point of view. Most of the people you interview will have strong points of view; you wouldn’t be interviewing them if that were not the case. However, your script needs to be fair to all.