Writing TV News

Write a TV News Script

Writing a TV news script is not as easy as it might seem at first. You might think that all you need to do is cover the simple five W's and one H (who, what, where, when, why and how), but it's actually more complex than that.

Writing a news script is structural and strict in a sense that you need to cover all the facts. However, it is also predictable because there's a certain pattern that needs to be followed.

Parts of a News Script

Writing for a TV newscast is a challenge and it could be difficult at first. Knowing the main parts of the script will help.

1  Introduction, or "The Readers".

This is the first 30 seconds, an introduction read by the news anchor in the studio. It is commonly called RDR or "The Readers". There are no videos included in the script yet, only a photo of the headline and the anchorperson is seen on the TV screen.

Lead. A lead (spelled lede by journalists) is a one-line thesis statement of the report. It consists of one sentence. It introduces the main topic of the script.

Five W's and one H. These are the; who, what, where, when, why and how questions. Answers to these basic questions are briefly written for the RDR and are assessed one by one in the body of the report.

Writing the RDR. Since the readers or RDR only lasts for 30 seconds, it has to be substantial. But you do not need to squeeze too much of the message into one paragraph. Here is a guide on how to write the RDR: 

Use simple but compelling words. The lead is the first sentence that the anchor says, so it has to be inviting. The viewers, upon hearing the lead, should be hooked to watch the whole report or segment. 

Use words that appeal to the senses and interests of the viewers.

One thought at a time. The viewers will only hear the RDR once. It's vital to keep sentences short but clear. Limit sentences to 15 words or less because it is easier to digest and reveal the idea of the story using simple and clear information.

Do not say 'quote.' If the headline is about what the President said, never use phrases such as "...and I quote". Remember that you need to give a succinct message, or it could create confusion for the viewers.

Cover only the main thought of the report. Analyze the story carefully and identify what particular W questions you should provide answers to in The Readers. It may only need three W's and one H to project the story summary in the introduction.

Introduce the name of the reporter. Include in the script whoever is the reporter of the story. If he is reporting live in an area, recognize that so and so is reporting live, from such and such a place in the script, and if it's an exclusive report, specify this in the script too, because the reporter deserves a credit.

2 Body.

This is the meat of the report. Writing a script for the body is a bit complicated, especially if it is your first time. The technique for writing this part of the script is to digest the information mentioned in the RDR.

Components of the Body: 

Videos. These are the footage caught by the videographer and reporter during the day. It may also include file videos from past news reports or from online video sharing sites.

Voice Over. This is the reporter's voice reading the script as the video plays.

Natural Sound. This the background noise of the location of the event or report. It may be the quietness of a night, tidal surges of the flood, or the sounds of a New Year's fireworks. These are also called "natsots".

Interviews. Every report has interviews. The reporter might have gotten plenty of interviews but the interviews should be limited. Include at least two interviews in the body of the report.

Piece to Camera. This is the reporter directly talking to the camera. It may be live or recorded, and can also called a "stand-up".

Pictures. Pictures are used when there are important events, statistics or any factors that should be included in the report. These include sketches, screen captures from public information sites, or old photos.

The news report usually has a maximum of three minutes of story-telling time. Sometimes it is less, sometimes more. The script must explain the necessary details in that time frame.

3 Conclusion.

This last part of the report includes a temporary resolution to the story. Never leave the audience hanging. Always include a statement that gives a follow-up information or assurance to the viewers.

Organization of a News Story

A story should have a smooth flow and development. There are several styles to writing a news script, but the basic organization is as follows:

1  Introduction.

This is a brief summary of the story and the mention of the thesis statement or lead.

2 Establish the Scene.

Write the basic details that answer the questions to the five W's and one H. What is the story all about? Who are the people involved? When did it happen? What date or what time? Where is the setting? Is it a local or international issue?

3 Recognize the Issue.

This is the part where you elaborate on the issue or the event. Why did it happen? What is the issue or the event about? What are the factors that made the issue arise? And how did it happen?

4 Addressing the Issue.

This includes the action items that can be done. A story should present possible solutions to the problem. The script must reveal that the story is well-researched and, provide substantial information.

5 Follow-up.

The story should be moving forward. There will certainly be another follow-up for the following day's event. Include in the script that the news team will continue to cover the issue.

Proper Format in Writing a News Script

The news script is divided into two parts - the audio and the video part.

Audio

This is usually on the right side of the page. It includes everything that is heard on the report, such as the voice over, natural sound and sound bites. Here are some guidelines on how to make and choose the right audio:

1 The natural sound or natsots should be clear and a bit louder.

It catches the attention of the viewer because natural sounds bridge familiarity.

2 Voice Over.

The voice of the reporter must match the tone or mood of the story. If it is a tragic news report, the tone should be serious and authoritative. Good news will require a cheerful voice with lively intonations. A good voice over is clear, precise, authoritative, alive and sensitive. The voice practically describes the video. It should match what is being shown at a particular time frame.

3 Place sound bites on transitions.

This serves to communicate that a new angle of the story is about to be told.

Video

This is located on the middle part of the page and it complements the audio. What is being described in the audio must be included in the script.

Here are the steps on how to write the video part of the script:

1 Gather the materials you need.

Get the tapes used in shooting, prepare a pen and paper and a video camera to view the shots.

2 Preview the file footage and determine the important videos and dialogue of the person being interviewed.

3 Select the video clips you will use and jot down the time at which that specific clip appears.

This will help the editor in cutting the video clips you need.

4 Describe what can be seen in the videos.

Include it in the script to serve as a guide when finishing the story

5 List the basic shots in the videos.

Timing

This is on the left side of the script and it basically includes the timing of the videos and audio. Below is an example of a news script.

Live News Reporting Script

Reporters who are reporting live from a location do not have much time to compose a detailed and well-structured script, especially when they are covering a historical event. The anchors in the studio, and the reporters on the field are exchanging details, questions and information live on television.

It's not that easy to come up with a good script while reporting live on camera. There are times when a reporter forgets their points of discussion. The secret is focus. Remember that you are reporting for the viewers and that their concern should be your utmost priority. Ask questions as if you are the viewer. A live reporter, even under pressure, knows what the audience would want to know or ask from a report. Here are tips on how to make a good live report:

1 Have your own notes.

If you are a reporter that has been sent to a location to cover a specific event or story, there won't be a researcher besides you. You need to do your own research and compose your own report. It's so much easier if you have ample time to write the report, but if not, then you will have to report the news you've gathered live on TV. Reporters often learn the hard way that their training is basically being sent to far-away areas just prove their worth. That is why it's important to take notes, and also to always see the other side of the story, and attempt to report without a specific slant.

2 Talk to People in Authority.

There are subjects that are difficult or very technical to explain for a reporter, which is why a good resource person is necessary. You should familiarize yourself with people from the government, doctors, specialists, experts and other resource persons who are specialists in their fields. For more credible information, invite these specialists to be interviewed live on camera. But make sure you brief them beforehand, and that you have already discussed the questions you'll ask prior to the live airing. This will help him/her be prepared.

3 When reporting with a co-host, listen attentively to his ideas and opinions, and react accordingly.

You are given a partner for a good reason. A good newscast reporter also knows how to converse well with a fellow news reporter live on camera. The interaction must feel natural. Humor and wit are also important, especially when discussing light issues.

4 Do not lead the interviewee on.

Your purpose is to ask questions for clarity. Let the subject lead the story buy providing the correct information. Ask follow up question according to what he/she said, but never assume. The last thing you want is to be humiliated on national TV.

5 Keep a balanced opinion.

News reporters are messengers. They report based on facts and they do not necessarily interpret it according to their own biases, however, there are times that reporters add their personal views topics. This is fine, provided the views are not prejudiced.