Building a radio news package is about more than just reading facts; it is about using sound to paint a picture for your listener.
This guide will help you move from basic reporting to creating an immersive audio experience. It’s based on the article Constructing a news package for radio, which we suggest you read before using the checklist below.
- [ ] Use your voice as a tool. Treat your voice like an instrument. Vary your pace and tone to match the mood of the story, ensuring you sound conversational rather than like you are reading a script.
- [ ] Prioritise high-quality actuality. Actuality is the sound of real events and people. Choose interviewees who speak with passion and clarity to give your story an emotional heart.
- [ ] Capture a detailed soundscape. Do not just record voices. Gather sounds that relate to the story, such as a dog barking or a door slamming, to help the listener feel like they are there.
- [ ] Follow a clear narrative arc. Organise your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Explain what happened, why it happened, and what it means for the future.
- [ ] Record plenty of wild track. Always record at least two minutes of ambient background noise at the scene. This helps you hide edits and maintain a consistent atmosphere throughout the package.
- [ ] Describe your senses. Use descriptive language to tell the listener what you can see, smell, and feel. This ‘show, don’t tell’ approach makes the report more vivid.
- [ ] Focus on the feelings of others. Your personal feelings are less important than those of the people in the story. Ask open-ended questions to uncover the raw emotions of your interviewees.
- [ ] Include diverse perspectives. Seek out different voices, especially those that are often ignored. This ensures your reporting is fair and provides a complete picture of the issue.
- [ ] Answer the so what factor. Clearly explain why the story matters to your audience. Connect the individual’s experience to the wider impact on the community.
- [ ] Keep your links short and sharp. When weaving the story together, ensure your script bridges the audio clips smoothly. Never repeat in your narration what the listener is about to hear in a soundbite.
Radio is an intimate medium that goes directly into the listener’s ear. If you follow these steps, you will create a story that is not only informative but also truly memorable.
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