Radio Script Writing

Radio is a companion medium – people will be doing something while listening. The scriptwriter should keep in mind that message, which must be imbibed instantly, is communicated to the anonymous audience, who is doing something else.

Characteristics of radio listeners

1. They are curious. Allow certain amount of suspense in your broadcast.

2. They get bored easily. Make the message brief.

3. Most of them are mentally lazy. Present ideas simply.

4. They are greedy. Let them know how the new idea would benefit them to earn more.

5. They are impatient. Come to the point straight, and tell what you want to tell.

6. They are not well off. The idea being suggested must be within their means.

7. They are practical. Give concrete example. Do not discuss theories or present abstract ideas.

8. They have a limited vocabulary. Use simple and commonly used words.

9. They are slow in adoption. Suggest only one or two ideas at a time.

10. They are intelligent so far as farming is concerned. Don’t try to befool them.

Do’s of script writing

1. Use ear catcher-grab attention.

2. Be informal-as people talk.

3. Use short and simple sentences-helps breath control.

4. Use familiar words-for easy understanding

5. For long sentences – use dashes to separate thoughts.

6. Use short paragraphs.

7. Use breathers – on, at, as, that.

8. Source quoted at the beginning.

9. Round off the digit

10. Write out 1 to 9 and use digit from 10 to 999.

11. In place of commas use words

12. Use “per cent” instead of %.

13. Handle figures carefully. Figures are at times a necessary evil in radio copy, don’t use confusing numbers.

14. Write on one side only on good paper and in double or triple space.

15. Use contractions like ‘don’t, isn’t.

16. Summarise in the end and identify source.

Don’ts of script writing

1. Do not use abbreviations – When in doubt write it out.

2. Do not use a.m. or p.m. instead use morning or evening.

3. Never start a sentence with digits – spell out.

4. Avoid passive voice.

5. Use dashes in place of semicolon or comma.

6. Avoid tongue tanglers – be careful about ‘S’ sounds.

9. Note phonetic spelling, do not mispronounce.

10. Transitional words like, however, nevertheless, moreover, also etc., are placed at the beginning of sentences in radio copy.

11. Avoid repetitions and redundancy.

12. Do not use offensive words.

13. Punctuate for easy reading.

14. Do not end the page abruptly, conclude with item or paragraph.

15. Use attention-getting titles – ear catcher.