This is a short training module setting out the basics for creating a news package for radio. It’s been created for those starting out in radio journalism.
Technique – using sound to tell a story
- Imagine your voice going into a listener’s ear
- Use your voice expressively – plenty of variation
- The tone should be sympathetic to the story
Actuality – enriches your script
- Find good people to interview
- Look for complementary sounds which are relevant to the story
- If it’s a story about dogs, you need barking
Chronology – the evolution of the story
- Find out what has happened
- Uncover the who, why, when, where, and how of the story
- Ensure you understand fully all the elements
Atmosphere – sound effects
- Record enough wild track at the scene
- Wild track is background noise
- It’s useful because you may need it later in the editing process
Sensing – being there
- At the scene, explain what you are sensing
- Describe what can you see, hear, smell and touch
- Avoid explaining how YOU are feeling
Feeling – emotional impact
- Ask your interviewees what they feel
- Find out if they are afraid, sad, hopeful, happy
- What YOU feel doesn’t matter
Perspectives – what people think
- Seek out multiple perspectives
- Look for diverse voices
- Never ignore conflicting opinions
The so what factor – what happens next
- Find out what are the next steps
- Explain why those steps are important
- Note any future events & meetings for follow up purposes
Putting it together – sounds in harmony
- Use short clips from your wild track and interview
- Use your script to bind them together in a logical way
- Keep your links short
Technique – using sound to tell a story: Think of your voice as the primary instrument in your storytelling. It’s not just about conveying information; it’s about creating an intimate connection with the listener.
Imagine your voice traveling directly into their ear, painting pictures and evoking emotions.
Vary your pace, tone, and inflection to match the narrative. A somber story demands a different vocal approach than a celebratory one.
Authenticity is important; let your voice reflect the genuine emotion of the story. Consider vocal delivery coaches or exercises to develop a more expressive and engaging voice.
Actuality – the voice of reality: Actuality, the recorded sound of events and voices, is the lifeblood of radio news. It’s what separates radio from print. Don’t just tell the story; let the listener experience it.
Seek out interviewees who can offer unique insights and perspectives.
Beyond the obvious interview, capture ambient sounds – the “soundscape” of your story.
If it’s a story about dogs, barking is essential, but also consider the sounds of a dog park, a leash jingling, or even the soft panting of a contented canine. These details bring the story to life.
Chronology – the narrative arc: A compelling news package follows a clear narrative arc. Begin by establishing the core facts: who, what, when, where, and how.
But go beyond the surface. Uncover the why – the motivations, the context, the underlying issues. Understanding the chronology of events is crucial.
Think of it as building a timeline, ensuring each piece of the story fits logically. This thorough understanding allows you to guide the listener through the unfolding narrative.
Atmosphere – painting with sound: Wild track, or ambient sound, is more than just background noise; it’s the atmosphere that immerses the listener in the story. Record ample wild track at the scene.
Capture the subtle sounds – the murmur of a crowd, the rustle of leaves, the hum of traffic. These sounds can be invaluable during editing, allowing you to create smooth transitions, establish location, and enhance the overall listening experience.
Think of wild track as the sonic equivalent of establishing shots in film.
Sensing – immersive storytelling: Go beyond simply reporting; transport the listener to the scene. Describe what you are sensing – the sights, sounds, smells, and even textures.
What do you see as you walk through the marketplace? What do you hear above the din of the city? What do you smell in the aftermath of a fire?
These sensory details ground the listener in the reality of the story. While your personal feelings are less important, your observations are crucial.
Feeling – the emotional core: While your personal feelings are secondary, the emotions of those involved are paramount. Seek out the emotional core of the story by asking your interviewees how they feel.
Are they hopeful? Devastated? Angry? Their authentic emotions resonate with listeners and create a powerful connection.
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about their feelings, but do so with empathy and sensitivity.
Perspectives – a tapestry of voices: Strive for fairness by presenting multiple perspectives. Seek out diverse voices, even those that conflict with your own or the dominant narrative.
Presenting conflicting opinions is not about creating false equivalence; it’s about providing context and allowing the listener to draw their own conclusions.
Actively seek out marginalised voices and perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked.
The “so what?” factor – relevance and impact: Every news story should answer the fundamental question: “So what?” Why should the listener care?
Explain the implications of the story and its potential impact on their lives or the community. What are the next steps? Are there future meetings, hearings, or events related to the story?
Highlight any follow-up opportunities for the listener. This provides closure and demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the story.
Putting it together – the art of audio weaving: Crafting a compelling news package is like composing a piece of music. You’re weaving together different elements – interviews, wild track, your narration – to create a cohesive and engaging whole.
Use short, impactful clips from your interviews and wild track. Your script serves as the glue that binds these elements together, providing context and narrative flow.
Keep your links – the segments where you speak – concise and focused. They should seamlessly bridge between the actuality and the ambient sound, guiding the listener through the story.
Editing is crucial. Pay attention to pacing, transitions, and the overall flow of the package.
A well-crafted package is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s a story told through sound, engaging the listener’s imagination and leaving a lasting impression.
Questions
- What is the role of voice in storytelling according to the text?
- How can actuality enhance a script?
- Why is it important to find complementary sounds relevant to the story?
- Describe the significance of chronology in storytelling.
- What is the purpose of recording wild track at a scene?
- How should a storyteller convey their sensory experiences at a scene?
- Why is it important to focus on the interviewees’ feelings rather than the storyteller’s own emotions?
- Explain the importance of seeking multiple perspectives in storytelling.
- What is the “so what factor” and why is it crucial in storytelling?
- How can a storyteller effectively integrate wild track and interview clips into a cohesive narrative?
Answers
- The role of voice in storytelling is to use it expressively with plenty of variation, ensuring the tone is sympathetic to the story.
- Actuality enriches a script by providing real-life sounds and voices that add authenticity and depth to the narrative.
- Complementary sounds are important because they enhance the realism and engagement of the story, making it more relatable and vivid for the audience.
- Chronology is significant because it helps in understanding the evolution of the story by uncovering the who, why, when, where, and how.
- Recording wild track is useful because it provides background noise that can be used later in the editing process to create a more immersive atmosphere.
- A storyteller should convey their sensory experiences by describing what they see, hear, smell, and touch, without focusing on their personal feelings.
- Focusing on the interviewees’ feelings is important because it provides an authentic emotional impact and perspective, which is more relevant to the story.
- Seeking multiple perspectives is important to ensure a balanced and comprehensive narrative that includes diverse voices and opinions.
- The “so what factor” involves explaining the next steps and their importance, ensuring the story has relevance and a clear direction for future developments.
- A storyteller can effectively integrate wild track and interview clips by using a script to bind them together logically, keeping the links short and coherent.
Lesson plan for trainers
If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Constructing a radio news package which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.
You might want to read a related training module: How to write a radio news script.
