A news bulletin is a short summary of the day’s main events which runs over radio and television. It must be presented in a voice that pleases the audience – they are likely to tune out if they hear a grating or shrill voice. Listeners expect a balance of stories about important issues but also some lighter pieces and news from their own community. The tone of the bulletin may depend on the format of the station – serious national broadcasters might have heavier news and more serious style whilst youth-oriented music stations might have a brighter, lighter news presentation with more stories about popular culture.
Often it makes sense to have a lead story at the beginning of the bulletin to make sure that people who are tuning in for the first time catch the most important news, particularly in a busy period when many of your listeners are travelling or carrying out other tasks. This is a useful way of establishing your credibility as an information provider, making sure that your audience will return to your bulletin again.
It is important to write your headlines in a clear, concise manner. Because the audience will not be able to rewind, it is best not to over-explain the story or include too much detail. You must also think about the pace of your stories – some will be more urgent than others. For example, a report of an accident or fire will need to be written in short snappy sentences and words which convey simple ideas at a fast pace, whereas a story explaining some complicated political controversy may need slightly longer sentences and more detailed information at a slower pace.