Step 1 Know that radio news writing is aimed toward the listener, so the writing should be clear and simple. No words to difficult to pronounce, nor require a dictionary to understand.

Step 2 Write an outline. Determine the key elements of the story. These are the essential components. Ask yourself: Who? What? Why? Where? When?

Step 3 Write a tease. This will be used with other teases to whet the appetite of the listener before the news is aired. This should not be longer than a sentence.

Step 4 Write a lead sentence. This is used to grab the listener’s attention. Be concise and accurate with your lead.

Step 5 Write the body. Include all necessary facts, figures, and main points. Radio news stories are typically 100 to 300 words, based on the amount of time dedicated to the story. 100 words equates to approximately 30 seconds of air time.

Step 6 Write a story conclusion. This should be no longer than a sentence or two that sums up the key points of the story.

Step 7 Format your script in accordance with basic radio script guidelines which may vary from radio station to radio station.

Step 8 Fact-check the script and review your grammar. Present the script to a copy-editor that might find mistakes you overlooked.

TO SUMMARISE:

* KISS – keep it short and simple

* Do not use quotes on radio or in television scripts

* Avoid unfamiliar words

* Repeat important words

* Keep punctuation simple

* Simplify numbers

* Avoid abbreviations

* Show how to pronounce difficult words

* balance

* pace

An example of a radio script for serious news programme:

There have been new calls for the BBC to ban Nick Griffin appearing on question time this week.

The Welsh Secretary, Peter Hain has spoken out against the BBC’s decision to allow the BNP on to question time on Thursday.

However The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw has agreed to share a platform at the controversial discussion.

Question Time will be filmed at Television centre with extra security in preparation for the protests that follow the BNP.

Ed Miliband calls for a unified approach with US, China and India on climate change negotiations.

The government is hoping to use the economic forum meeting in London to reach out to other nations in a bid to secure an agreement for the climate change forum in December.

Gordon Brown will be using his speech today to highlight the urgent need for developed nations to come together and fight climate change.

The parents of the US balloon hoax are to face charges.

A sheriff in Colorado has confirmed that the parents of the boy who was believed to have been carried away in a balloon will now face charges.

The event over the weekend caught the media’s attention when it was thought that a young boy had been swept away inside of the helium balloon.

The Daily Mail in trouble over an article about Gately.

A column published in the Daily Mail has received the most complaints in British History.

The article written by Jan Moir has caused thousands of readers to complain over the circumstances surrounding Stephen Gately’s death.

US banks have reported profits.

The financial crisis seems to have been a thing of the past with many US banks reporting results. The profits being registered have re-ignited the fury with bankers’ bonuses.