Question 1

As in print writing, use strong subject-verb-object sentences with action verbs. Use the active voice, starting the sentence with the person or thing that did the action.

Accepted Answer

Strong subject-verb-object sentences with action verbs in the active voice are recommended for both print and digital writing. Starting the sentence with the person or thing that did the action is also a good practice in both types of writing.

Question 2

Personal pronouns should be used sparingly in radio-TV writing, and when used should be close to whatever they refer.

Accepted Answer

Personal pronouns like "he," "she," and "they" can cause confusion for listeners/viewers when not clearly referring to someone or something previously mentioned. Therefore, they should be used sparingly and with clarity in radio-TV writing. Additionally, when they are used, they should be close in proximity to what/who they are referring to in order to avoid confusion.

Question 3

Broadcast writing differs from print writing in that verb tenses can be mixed, because radio-TV copy often describes events that are taking place now, have taken place, or will take place.

Accepted Answer

Broadcast writing can mix verb tenses to accurately cover events happening in the present, past, and future. This is because broadcast copy is often presented in real time or with an immediacy that print copy doesn't require.

Question 4

Broadcast writing uses long descriptive clauses, participial phrases or modifying phrases and clauses at the beginning of sentences, for these make for good "soft" leads.

Accepted Answer

Broadcast writing typically avoids long descriptive clauses and complex structures at the beginning of sentences, favoring instead concise, clear, and straightforward language to ensure quick comprehension by listeners.

Question 5

Simplicity in broadcast writing means avoiding the use of big, formal words. If others use them, simplify them. If they are necessary, then carry them inside quotation marks so that the announcer can change inflection for emphasis.

Accepted Answer

Simplicity in broadcast writing is important for easy understanding by the audience. Using big, formal words can lead to confusion and disengagement by the listeners. Therefore, it is best to simplify words if possible and use quotation marks if necessary.

Question 6

What are transitions, and why are they used?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

The best rule for abbreviations is

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Times have changed: it's now acceptable to use dialects in broadcasting and, with the advent of "shock jocks" in radio, profanity and obscenities are permitted to be used on the air if the language was used while recording a news event.

Accepted Answer

While dialects may be more accepted in broadcasting, the use of profanity and obscenities on the air is still regulated by broadcasting standards and laws, such as those enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, which prohibit obscene, indecent, and profane content during certain hours.

Question 9

In writing broadcast copy, eliminate the comma except for places where the announcer should pause.

Accepted Answer

Commas are typically not used in broadcast copy unless they indicate a pause for the announcer to take a breath or emphasize a particular word or phrase. Otherwise, the style is more concise and direct to better communicate to the audience.

Question 10

Quotations should be used frequently in broadcast copy so that listeners will know what news sources had to say. Quotes can easily be identified when listening because a good announcer will change voice inflection when reaching phrases enclosed by quotation marks.

Accepted Answer

In broadcast copy, it's generally recommended to paraphrase rather than use direct quotations frequently. This is because listeners can't see quotation marks, and constant changes in voice inflection to indicate quotes can be confusing and disrupt the flow of information.

Question 11

Unlike print writing, begin sentences with attribution to enhance credibility, especially where the statement may be controversial.

Accepted Answer

Starting a sentence with attribution helps to establish the source of information and increases credibility, particularly with controversial statements. This is because attributing the statement to a specific source provides a sense of accountability and transparency.

Question 12

How do you make statistics, figures and numbers understandable in broadcast copy?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

One of the things that makes a news producer's job easier is that copy doesn't have to be rewritten if there are no new developments in a story. You're dealing with a different audience between the noon newscast and the drive-home audience, as well as different demographics between the early and late TV newscasts.

Accepted Answer

News producers often need to rewrite or update copy even if there are no new developments in a story to keep the content fresh and engaging for different audiences throughout the day, catering to their specific interests and viewing habits.

Question 14

Freshening news copy, even if there are no new developments, subtly tells listeners and viewers that your news operation is staying on top of stories and implies that when there are new developments, listeners will hear it first from your station.

Accepted Answer

By freshening news copy, even if there are no new developments, news operations can maintain the interest of their audience and create the impression that they are working hard to stay on top of stories. This can lead to greater credibility and audience loyalty, as listeners and viewers may turn to your station first when there are new developments.

Question 15

While working journalists often find many stories to be routine, you can't let your writing become routine. Each story should be composed with an interesting blend of writing techniques: lead with what is most important, tell as many of the details as possible, and give the significance of the news story.

Accepted Answer

It is important for journalists to avoid routine writing and use techniques like leading with important information, including details, and providing the significance of the story in order to keep their writing interesting.

Question 16

Being able to scoop the newspaper is one of the joys of working in broadcasting, so when a news flash or bulletin comes across the wire service, get it on the air immediately!

Accepted Answer

While timeliness is important in broadcasting, it's crucial to verify the accuracy of the information before airing it to ensure responsible journalism and avoid spreading misinformation.

Question 17

Some news producers suggest building a newscast of "peaks and valleys" of information, since audiences cannot be hammered with one bad or fact-filled story after another throughout most of the newscast.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. News producers often structure their newscasts to include a mix of different types of stories, such as human interest pieces and lighter news, in addition to the more serious and fact-filled stories. This helps to create a balance and prevent audience fatigue from too much heavy news content.

Question 18

News programs should have an ebb and flow, with some hard news stories mixed with lighter feature material, some of which may be suggested or provided by public relations professionals.

Accepted Answer

This is a common practice in the news industry to keep the audience engaged and interested. However, it is important for journalists to maintain their independence and not rely solely on public relations materials for their content. They should verify and fact-check any information provided by PR professionals before using it in their reporting.

Question 19

Avoid editorializing in news copy. Just write and report the news and leave the interpretations to the listeners or to commentators.

Accepted Answer

Editorializing in news copy involves adding personal opinions or biases that may influence a reader or listener's perception of the news. It is important for journalists to remain objective and provide unbiased reporting so that the audience can form their own interpretations.

Question 20

Which is "better"? Print, broadcast or online news? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 11: Preparing Broadcast Copy