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Writing for the Broadcaster

Writing for the Broadcaster. Some Rules of the Road. Don’t Use Symbols. Bad: 40 % Good: Forty percent Bad: $4 thousand Good: 4-thousand-dollars. Initials and Acronyms. Use full names on 1 st reference and initials after that Mothers Against Drunk Driving / MADD

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Writing for the Broadcaster

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  1. Writing for the Broadcaster Some Rules of the Road

  2. Don’t Use Symbols • Bad: 40 % • Good: Forty percent • Bad: $4 thousand • Good: 4-thousand-dollars

  3. Initials and Acronyms • Use full names on 1st reference and initials after that • Mothers Against Drunk Driving / MADD • For familiar groups – initials on first reference • C-I-A , F-B-I • OPEC

  4. People’s Names • Use formal names unless you know an informal name is common usage • William Kennedy • Bill Clinton • Avoid middle initials or names unless they are commonly used by a well know person • Michael J. Fox

  5. Ages • Only use ages when it adds to the story • Not necessary: The accident injured 41-year-old Mary Smith • Adds to the story: The car hit 9-year-old Jimmy Smith

  6. Age • Use age (and other identifiers) when talking about someone accused of a crime • Police arrested 42-year old Fred S. Smith of Hempstead and charged him with selling child pornography. • (32-year-old Fred R. Smith of Garden City will thank you for doing this, and also will not sue your news organization).

  7. Emphasis • Emphasize words that are important or could be missed by an anchor • Fred Smith said he will NOT run for the city council seat. • Fred Smith said his proposal is the most important issue before city council

  8. Pronouncers • If there is a question about how something is pronounced, use pronouncers. • Lima (LEE-mah), Peru • Lima (LIE-mah), Ohio

  9. KNOW YOUR WORDS • Use simple, but accurate, words • Burglary / Robbery • Half Mast / Half Staff

  10. Use Conversational Words • The city used an herbicide on the park’s grass. • The city used a weed killer on the park’s grass. • The suspect faces court arraignment later today • The suspect will be formally charged with the crime in court later today.

  11. Avoid Formal Words • Bleh: Male, Female, Residents, Perpetrator • Good: Man, Woman, Neighbors, Suspect

  12. Writing for The Ear • Simple, Short sentences • One Sentence = One Idea • Grab Them with the Lead • Write more like you are talking

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