adminA news bulletin (also known as a newscast or news program) is a broadcast featuring current affairs or breaking news. Broadcasts may differ in content, tone, and presentation style depending on the station or channel, and timeslot. Many news programs feature one or two anchors (or presenters; the terminology varies around the world) segueing into news stories filed by a reporter. In some cases, an anchor will read a taped story or broadcast from the scene of an event that is currently unfolding.
In a radio news bulletin, the lead story is usually a key factor in whether or not listeners will stay tuned. Write your lead with this in mind; it should be clear, concise and vivid. It should also follow the inverted pyramid structure, putting the most important facts first and then describing the context of the news. Use a nut graph to tie the information together, and include quotes from experts or witnesses.
A good news bulletin should have a mix of news stories, some serious and some light-hearted. It should also be a reflection of the local, regional or national audience; they need to hear stories that affect them and reflect their lives.
Some stories are better run in a variety of formats, such as a straight read, followed by a voice report and a sound bite, or vice versa. This will give the audience more ways of remembering the information and keep them interested.
