Broadcast-style writing requires a slightly different approach than the writing you’ve done all your life. It’s linear. You’re writing to be heard instead of read. That means your viewer or listener only has one chance to hear what you’re telling them and comprehend it before you move on. Most of the time, there isn’t a chance to go back and try to catch the meaning the second time. So, if you’re not writing simply and clearly, you risk losing your audience. Effective broadcast writing requires a level of simplicity and a conversational approach that takes practice to feel natural.

After watching this learning module, you will be able to:

• Identify the characteristics of “writing for the ear” using short simple sentences

• Recognize and eliminate cliches from writing

• Explain the difference between active and passive voice

• Practice stronger writing through effective verb choice and tense

• Write a 45-second news story that could appear on television or radio