Broadcast News Writing, Reporting, and Producing, 5th Edition

CHAPTER 6

Newswriting Mechanics

CONTENTS

Introduction

Slugs

The Split Page

Avoiding Split Words and Sentences

Punctuation

Rewriting Wire Copy

Conversational Style

Reading Your Copy Aloud

Avoiding Information Overload

Looking Ahead

Timing Stories

KEY WORDS
Conversational Style	Split Page	Timing
Slugs	Teleprompter	Wire Copy

INTRODUCTION

The mechanics of crafting a broadcast news story are unlike the parameters of most other writing formats. Here, brevity is cherished, holding the audience’s attention is vital, and accuracy is absolutely paramount. Many stories last no more than 30 seconds, while some bumps and teases are a quick 5 seconds. Even more daunting for broadcasters is they have but one opportunity to unveil the story; ...