BROADCAST STYLES

All broadcasting stations have different ways of presenting and packaging their items. Even though they differ, most of them agree that good style is always whatever makes sense. Just like the way people have different styles of doing things same applies with most broadcast organization.

Clichés

These are words or phrases that have been over used to appoint they have lost their value or importance. Most of the times clichés make a very significant story sound common and very dull. Examples of clichés are fell on deaf ears, given the green light, mine of information, vanish into thin air, writing on the wall among others.

Journalese

This is a method used by newspaper journalist to fill up space in their articles when inspiration have gone dry. Most of the times they usually use clichés and metaphor in their stories to ensure they reach the required length.

Adjective

They are words which describe a noun. The number of adjective you use in your item will be determined by your media house style and image. Adjective usually adds colour to an article. Adjectives are important in articles just like salt in food. The right amount of adjective gives life to a story, too much of it makes an items sounds like a novel and a story without adjectives is dull and flat. So, use adjectives well.

Quotations

Most of the times quotations usually add flavor to an item as it gives the audience the actual words or phrases said. In broadcasting it is kind of tricky as it is hard for the audience to know when it starts and end. So, it is up to the presenter to ensure they are kept short, clear and they pause for some seconds before they quote.

Attribution

In broadcasting every information should be attributed clearly so that the audience knows who actually said them.  Attribution should be done properly because audience can never refer back in broadcasting. If it is done badly then it spoils the item.

Usually the message is more important than the one who said it. So, the information should be run first. But where the person is widely known then start with his or her name.

Hyperbole

This is also known as exaggeration. In broadcasting it is wrong to hype stories. They should be told to the audience truthful without adding anything. Hype stories are always unpleasant and should not be used.

Contentious statements

These are statements which are controversial. As a broadcaster always attribute contentious statements clearly and begin with the name of the person who said the statement. This is always safe for the presenter and station as the audience will know those are not their opinion. Here attribution is very important and should be properly.

Redundancies

These are words which are useless and only add up the number of words in a copy. These words should be done away with. One such word which is commonly used is, ‘that’. Other redundant words are eye witness, end result among others.

Abbreviations

In broadcasting only use abbreviations which are commonly known all over the world like Mr and Mrs. Any other abbreviations should not be used and should read out in full. And when abbreviations are used they should be hyphenated example K-P-A, unless they form acronyms they should be left the way they are, example MATI.

Proof reading

All copies in broadcast journalism should be read out loud to check if it makes sense to the ear. A good copy should always be one that is easy to read and one without mistakes. Here all personnel who are involved in making the item should proof read and verify it makes sense before it reaches the audience.

Homonyms

These are words which sound the same but have different meaning. Whenever these words are used, one should be careful. When you use the wrong word the meaning of that sentence changes totally. Examples of homonyms are pick and peak, might and mite etc.

Pronouns

Whenever one is using pronouns extra care and discipline should be exercised in order not to confuse the audience. Always use someone’s name first then pronoun.

Immediacy

Broadcast has the strength of immediacy. This means as events happen they reach the audience fast. Immediacy is heighten by using present or perfect tenses in broadcasting. What is aired today in broadcasting will be read tomorrow in the newspaper.

Positive

In broadcasting news should be presented and expressed in an active and positive way. News is always active.

Repetition

Repeating words in a sentence a couple of times always makes it boring and should be avoided. Try find an alternative word but if one cannot be found it is ok to repeat.

Punctuation

Items in broadcasting are written to be read out loud and should be done properly. Sentences should be short and their meaning intact. This is done by punctuating the item well with visible pauses. Comma and full stops may look similar. So, it is better to use ellipsis…….dash------ for longer pause.