CHAPTER 6Newswriting Mechanics

 

 

 

CONTENTS

Introduction

Slugs

The Split Page

Punctuation

Rewriting Wire Copy

Conversational Style

Removing Unneeded Words

Reading Your Copy Out Loud

Avoiding Information Overload

Looking Ahead

Timing Stories

Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Exercises

KEY WORDS

Conversational Style

Slugs

Split Page

Teleprompter

Timing

Wire Copy

INTRODUCTION

The mechanics of crafting a broadcast news story are unlike the parameters of most other writing formats. Here, brevity is cherished, holding the audience’s attention is vital, and accuracy is absolutely paramount. Many stories last no more than 30 seconds, while some bumps and teases flash by in a mere two seconds. Even more daunting for broadcasters is that they have ...

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