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.
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.
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.
Creating broadcast news packages
Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver key information effectively.
Constructing a TV news package
Learn how to construct a TV news package, from research and filming to editing and scripting, with this step-by-step guide for new journalists.
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.
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.
Engaging viewers and listeners
TV and radio presenters need to connect with the audience, building trust and respect. Here Riz Khan shares some tips for engaging viewers and listeners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creating broadcast news packages
Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver key information effectively.
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
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Producing radio news bulletins
This checklist is designed to help journalists produce an informative radio news bulletin that meets the needs of the listeners.
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Broadcast news packaging
Master the art of creating broadcast news packages. This guide covers voiceovers, interviews, and natural sound to help you build compelling stories.
Quick Guide: TV news packaging
Creating a news package for television is a rewarding challenge. It is the art of telling a complete story using a mix of video, sound, and words.
Quick Guide: Packaging for radio
Building a radio news package is about more than just reading facts; it is about using sound to paint a picture for your listener.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lesson: Constructing a radio news package
A lesson plan to help teach students how to create a news package for radio.
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.
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.
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.
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.