A summary of the stereotypical conventions of a radio news bulletin.

1. Conventions of a radio
news bulletin.
By Sadie Quinn.

2. Define convention…
• The literal definition of the term ‘convention’ is ‘a way in which something is
usually done’- things that we expect to see in a media text.
• For example, in a radio bulletin we expect an opening “jingle” and an
introduction from the presenter/s.

3. The conventions of radio news
• Around six to eight stories, with the most significant being placed first, the
soft stories are typically left until last to lighten the mood- these can include
entertainment, local or sports news.
• Embedded clips of other journalists or interviewees, for example.
• A main ‘newsreader’ who typically would not have a strong accent that
differs to that of the local environment and they usually have a clear, direct
voice.

4. A jingle
• A news bulletin is usually introduced with a familiar ‘jingle’- a short, catchy
piece of music familiar to the audience.
• It is played before the newsreader begins talking.
• It usually includes the name of the radio station.

5. Introduction
• This is when the main newsreader introduces themself to the audience. This
usually includes a greeting, a time check and the newsreader’s name.
• It will, on occasion, include headlines to entice the listener into continuing
listening to the news bulletin.

6. Copy stories
• This is the most basic form of news story- it is usually around four lines
long, all of which summarise the event that has or will take place.

7. Cue and…
• Clip.
• Voicer.
• Vox pop.
• Two-way.
• Wrap.

8. O.B.
• ‘O.B.’ stands for ‘outside broadcast’.
• Some radio stations have an OB truck that they use to travel directly to the
scene of an event that is unfolding.
• This means they have the equipment available to do live broadcasts but they
could also be pre-recorded.
• The background audio, as a result of being there, sets the scene for the
audience and allows the listener to visualise the event that is occurring.

9. Stab (sting)
• A shortened version of the original jingle.
• These are used to separate different sections of the news bulletin, for
example when they are moving onto sports.

10. ‘Bed’
• This is music without lyrics that plays under the newsreader whilst they are
speaking.
• It typically has a fast-paced, intense beat- which keeps the captivation of the
listener.
• Usually used on stations who have typically younger audiences.

11. S.O.C.
• This means ‘Standard out cue’.
• Essentially the conclusion to the news bulletin- it signifies that it has ended.
• It normally ‘signposts’ the audience to visit your website or informs them as
to when the next bulletin will occur.