Broadcasting

In this section we look at radio and TV broadcasting for journalists, from newsgathering, through news production, to broadcasting. Here you will find resources about packaging for news bulletins, reporting live, and building news and current affairs programmes. We look at community radio, how to make documentaries, and creating a distinctive station sound.

Journalists James Innocent Ali (background) and Bakhita Aluel recording links at Radio Easter in South Sudan.

Editing audio for radio news

We edit audio when airtime is limited. Always consult your editor or producer on the required duration before starting any edits to ensure the item fits.
Radio training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, image by David Brewer via Creative Commons

Setting up community radio

Launching a community radio station is about more than just broadcasting news, it’s about creating a hub for local voices, sharing vital information, and building community spirit.
Radio production training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Creating TV and radio packages

Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver key information effectively.
TV newsroom in Bangladesh - image by Media Helping Media

Constructing a TV news package

This article sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It's been created for those starting out in TV journalism.
Current affairs programme training in Vinh, Vietnam - image by MHM

Planning a radio current affairs programme

Explore the difference between radio news and daily current affairs programmes, and learn how they work together to keep audiences fully informed.
Sudanese journalist working on a project plan - image by David Brewer of MHM

Community radio project plan

Launching a community radio station is a complicated exercise with lots of overlapping elements. The most important thing to do, before you do anything else, is to stop and think.
Community radio training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Image by David Brewer of MHM

Community radio running order

The following is a 24-hour daily schedule for a community radio station, balancing core programming elements with listener engagement and local relevance.
Journalists Bakhita Aluel (seated) and Vivian Nandege at Radio Easter in Yei in South Sudan - image by Jaldeep Katwala

Making documentaries for radio

Documentaries are in-depth stories told in a more interesting way. A great documentary engages listeners and puts them at the heart of the storytelling.
Image by David Brewer released under Creative Commons

Writing a radio news script

Radio journalists must write clear scripts that weave together compelling audio clips, ensuring listeners understand a news story's significance.
Radio training Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Image by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Producing a radio news bulletin

Crafting a radio bulletin is like serving a balanced meal: it must be nourishing, digestible, and leave your audience perfectly prepared for the day ahead.
Radio production training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Creating TV and radio packages

Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver key information effectively.
Radio training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Image by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Creating a distinctive radio station sound

A radio station can only achieve impact if it has a unique and consistent sound and delivers content that the listeners can relate to.

Related learning resources

Graphic for MHM Quick Guide Checklist

Creating radio current affairs

Use this checklist to help you create radio news and current affairs programmes that effectively meet the information needs of your target audience.
Graphic for MHM Quick Guide Checklist

Producing radio news bulletins

This checklist is designed to help journalists produce an informative radio news bulletin that meets the needs of the listeners.

Writing a radio news script

Radio journalists must write clear scripts that weave together compelling audio clips, ensuring listeners understand a news story’s significance.
Image to illustrate a MHM training exercise created with Gemini AI

Exercise: Planning a breaking news TV package

Reporting breaking news on TV is a high-pressure race. You must balance real-time events with limited time for fact-checking and sourcing interviews.
Image to illustrate a MHM training exercise created with Gemini AI

Exercise: Packaging for radio news

This exercise sets out the basics for creating a news package for radio. It’s been created for those starting out in radio journalism.

Workshop: TV news packaging

This workshop sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It’s been created for those starting out in TV journalism and those with some experience.

Workshop: Constructing a news package for radio

This workshop outline sets out the basics for creating a news package for radio. It’s been created for those starting out in radio journalism.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: Setting up community radio

This lesson is designed to help participants learn how to plan, set up, and manage a community radio station serving a specific audience with a unique editorial proposition.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: Making documentaries for radio

This lesson plan sets out the steps required to make informative long-form news and current affairs documentaries for radio.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: Constructing a TV news package

A lesson plan to help students create a simple TV news package using their skills in reporting, filming, and editing, letting the pictures tell the story.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: Constructing a radio news package

A lesson plan to help teach students how to create a news package for radio.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media course module

Module: Radio journalism skills

This six-week training module provides an outline for teaching students radio journalism skills from writing news scripts and producing radio programmes to planning and setting up community radio.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media course module

Module: TV journalism skills

This six-week training module provides an outline for teaching students TV journalism skills from writing news scripts to producing TV news and current affairs programmes.
Graphic for a one-day refresher course on Media Helping Media

Refresher: Radio journalism skills

This day-long intensive training course offers participants a practical grounding in all industry-relevant skills, ensuring they leave with a comprehensive understanding of the broadcast workflow.
Graphic for a one-day refresher course on Media Helping Media

Refresher: TV journalism skills

This comprehensive one-day intensive training course is designed to provide journalists with the foundational and advanced techniques necessary for producing compelling broadcast content, from news packages to documentaries.