This short how-to guide is intended to be used as a checklist for those wanting to create a radio news and current affairs programme that meets the information needs of the target audience.
It’s based on two articles on MHM, ‘Planning a radio current affairs programme‘ by Chris Birkett, and ‘Creating a current affairs programme‘ by David Brewer. We suggest you read both articles before using the checklist below.
To create a successful current affairs programme, you must move beyond simply telling people what happened. Your goal is to explain why a story matters and what it means for your audience. Use this guide to help you plan and produce your broadcast.
- [ ] Identify the right stories for analysis
Do not try to analyse every news story. Choose stories with depth, such as political changes, social problems, or economic data. Look for stories where you can ask why or how instead of just what. - [ ] Include light and shade
A good programme needs a mix of serious and lighter topics. Balance heavy political debate with uplifting or unusual stories, such as a local human-interest piece or a cultural trend. - [ ] Hunt for high-quality guests
Aim to interview the people at the heart of the story, such as decision-makers or eye-witnesses. These are often called newsmakers. If you cannot get them, find experts who can explain complex topics in simple terms. - [ ] Humanise the facts
Numbers and data can be dry. Find a person whose life is affected by the story to share their experience. This makes the information more relatable and powerful for the listener. - [ ] Persuade guests using multiple methods
Do not rely only on email. Use the telephone, text messages, and social media to reach potential guests. Being polite and persistent is the best way to secure a great interview. - [ ] Prepare a brief for the presenter
Write a short, one-page document for your presenter. It should explain who the guest is, why they are on the show, and what they are likely to say. Suggest lines of questioning but do not give the guest the exact questions in advance. - [ ] Vary your programme format
Use the flexibility of radio. You can use live interviews, pre-recorded reports (called packages), and short debates. Some items might last two minutes, while a big interview could last six minutes or more.
Producing current affairs is a fantastic way to sharpen your editorial skills and hold powerful people to account. Keep your audience at the heart of every decision you make, and you will soon be creating programmes that truly matter.
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