Codes and Conventions of Radio News

Structure and Formatting

Radio news is often structured with the most important stories first, a technique known as inverted pyramid style.
Package reports, live reports, voxpops, and studio-based interviews form key parts of radio news structure.
Use of sound bites is common, providing quotes or excerpts from individuals associated with the story.
Though word count is essential in print newspapers, duration and timing is key for radio news. Precision in timing is vital for scheduling.

The language used in radio news is generally straightforward and concise, to facilitate comprehension by a diverse audience.
Clarity in speech and pronunciation is key, as audibility is the only means of consuming radio news.
Scripts and reports are written for the ear, meaning complex sentence structures are avoided. Use of colloquial language is generally more acceptable than in print.

The tone must be adjusted according to the nature of the story, whether serious or light-hearted.
Presenters maintain an objective and unbiased tone, adhering to the principles of ethical journalism.
Yet, just like in print or online newspapers, the tone can shift slightly depending on the targeted audience and the station’s positioning.
Expressions of emotion and personal opinion are typically kept to a minimum unless the station follows a more conversational style of news presentation.

Radio news utilises sound effects to enhance their storytelling, mimicking the ambience of events or places being described.
The use of music, known as ‘sweeps’, helps punctuate the news and signifies transitions between stories.
Audio logos or ‘sonic IDs’ are auditory symbols used regularly in a station’s programming, helping to create a distinct brand identity.

Given the limitations of the medium, radio news often heavily relies on interviews with relevant individuals or experts.
These sound bites can add authority to a story, increase audience interest, and provide a variety of perspectives.
The quality of the interview, both in terms of the content and the audio clarity, is paramount in radio news reporting.