Script writing for radio.
Introduction 
 Most radio shows need to use scripts to guide them 
through the on air hassle such as forgetting word or not 
knowing what to say and when. Scripts help presenters 
and people outside of the studio to let them know what 
will be happening during the time on air and when. 
 Scripts could also distract the presenter as the they 
could constantly be looking down at their scripts and 
their voices will project towards their script and not up 
towards the microphone.
What and Why? 
 Why use a script? 
. Presenters use scripts so they know what to say on air 
this prevents mistakes during a live on air show. 
. Presenters also use scripts so they know when to say certain things 
and that the music matches to the previous things they were talking 
about. 
. Most of the time scripts are used to make the show sound more 
professional and more put together and well thought out. This prevents 
the show from losing listeners and money. 
. Scripts help the presenter fit their speeches into a specific time slot. 
o What do scripts do? 
. Scripts help to give shape, structure and direction to the radio show 
. Scripts mostly are written for the EAR and not the EYE 
. Radio shows try to write for one person so the audience feel like the 
presenter is talking to them. The scripts can help presenters direct 
themselves to the audience so the listeners continue to listen to their 
show. 
. Many different types of radio genres need to use scripts that are pre-written 
including music sequences and radio features.
Linguistic conventions 
 Abbreviation: An abbreviation is a word/phrase shortened to make 
it easier to read and it shortens time if something needs to be done 
quick. In radio I may be wrote down in the short version but most 
presenters say the full version depending on their target audience 
and their location. Such as writing fab the presenter would say 
Fabulous and writing it’s instead of it is. 
 Writing numbers: When writing numbers, script writers and 
presenters tend to round numbers up so they don’t give out false 
information. Such as 8907 would be rounded up to 9000 or maybe 
10000 to make things easier to say on air. 
 Formal: Formal language would most likely be used during 
important news or some shows such as radio 4 would use formal 
language to present their documentaries and news. Such as saying 
it is instead of it’s to show Clear pronunciation. 
 Informal/Colloquial language: Informal would be more casual 
and laid back. Most likely radio stations that play music or local 
radio stations. Local radio stations will try and connect to the 
audience by bringing in local presenters to make the listeners 
connect with the presenter.
Style conventions 
 House styles: Stations have different styles such as Capital and 
Kerrang are music styled shows. This attracts different target 
audiences for their specific radio shows. Such as Kerrang is a music 
based station and is aimed at mostly men. 
 In/Out cues: in cues are set up to introduce songs which are 
written by presenters and producers. Such as ‘this is a new song 
from….’ out cues are to let listeners that have just tuned in what 
song was just played 
 Writing for the ear: Stations write for the ear as the presenter can 
not be seen so the language used is important as the listener has no 
visuals. Such as making conversations with the listener and 
interacting with them as much as possible. This means listeners 
with never get bored with what the presenter has to say. 
 Signposting: This is using sounds to create a picture in someone's 
head or setting the scene. Such as people cheering or clapping at a 
show or concert. This is to make the audience feel what is 
happening or make them feel like they are there.
Style conventions 
 Language styles: This is a structure of what the presenter is 
making the audience feel. Such as relaxed, happy and sad. This will 
show the audience the style of radio. Also it is informal and formal 
language that is used. 
 Tone: It shows the type of presenter the listeners are listening to 
such as a bubbly presenter or a very serious presenter depending 
on the radio show. At night a presenters tone is relaxing but in the 
morning it is very loud and energetic. 
 Speech rhythms: This is to make the sound/speech sound natural. 
Such as a certain amount of words per second to show the pace 
their voices.
Recognised Genres 
 Music scripts: Music scripts are for the music shows. This will have 
sections where the music should be played in the show. These 
scripts will always have to be planned before show. 
 Documentary Programs: Documentary ones are shows that have 
a full script included out and I cues, interviews sometimes won’t be 
scripted as it won’t be necessary. 
 Speech packages: These are shows that are all speech on radio 
stations such as radio 4 drama’s. This is all mostly acting. 
 Live material: This is when bands or artist perform live on the 
show such as radio 1’s live lounges. This promotes the station as 
well as the band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lywi8TxhE2Y

Script writing for radio

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Introduction  Mostradio shows need to use scripts to guide them through the on air hassle such as forgetting word or not knowing what to say and when. Scripts help presenters and people outside of the studio to let them know what will be happening during the time on air and when.  Scripts could also distract the presenter as the they could constantly be looking down at their scripts and their voices will project towards their script and not up towards the microphone.
  • 3.
    What and Why?  Why use a script? . Presenters use scripts so they know what to say on air this prevents mistakes during a live on air show. . Presenters also use scripts so they know when to say certain things and that the music matches to the previous things they were talking about. . Most of the time scripts are used to make the show sound more professional and more put together and well thought out. This prevents the show from losing listeners and money. . Scripts help the presenter fit their speeches into a specific time slot. o What do scripts do? . Scripts help to give shape, structure and direction to the radio show . Scripts mostly are written for the EAR and not the EYE . Radio shows try to write for one person so the audience feel like the presenter is talking to them. The scripts can help presenters direct themselves to the audience so the listeners continue to listen to their show. . Many different types of radio genres need to use scripts that are pre-written including music sequences and radio features.
  • 4.
    Linguistic conventions Abbreviation: An abbreviation is a word/phrase shortened to make it easier to read and it shortens time if something needs to be done quick. In radio I may be wrote down in the short version but most presenters say the full version depending on their target audience and their location. Such as writing fab the presenter would say Fabulous and writing it’s instead of it is.  Writing numbers: When writing numbers, script writers and presenters tend to round numbers up so they don’t give out false information. Such as 8907 would be rounded up to 9000 or maybe 10000 to make things easier to say on air.  Formal: Formal language would most likely be used during important news or some shows such as radio 4 would use formal language to present their documentaries and news. Such as saying it is instead of it’s to show Clear pronunciation.  Informal/Colloquial language: Informal would be more casual and laid back. Most likely radio stations that play music or local radio stations. Local radio stations will try and connect to the audience by bringing in local presenters to make the listeners connect with the presenter.
  • 5.
    Style conventions House styles: Stations have different styles such as Capital and Kerrang are music styled shows. This attracts different target audiences for their specific radio shows. Such as Kerrang is a music based station and is aimed at mostly men.  In/Out cues: in cues are set up to introduce songs which are written by presenters and producers. Such as ‘this is a new song from….’ out cues are to let listeners that have just tuned in what song was just played  Writing for the ear: Stations write for the ear as the presenter can not be seen so the language used is important as the listener has no visuals. Such as making conversations with the listener and interacting with them as much as possible. This means listeners with never get bored with what the presenter has to say.  Signposting: This is using sounds to create a picture in someone's head or setting the scene. Such as people cheering or clapping at a show or concert. This is to make the audience feel what is happening or make them feel like they are there.
  • 6.
    Style conventions Language styles: This is a structure of what the presenter is making the audience feel. Such as relaxed, happy and sad. This will show the audience the style of radio. Also it is informal and formal language that is used.  Tone: It shows the type of presenter the listeners are listening to such as a bubbly presenter or a very serious presenter depending on the radio show. At night a presenters tone is relaxing but in the morning it is very loud and energetic.  Speech rhythms: This is to make the sound/speech sound natural. Such as a certain amount of words per second to show the pace their voices.
  • 7.
    Recognised Genres Music scripts: Music scripts are for the music shows. This will have sections where the music should be played in the show. These scripts will always have to be planned before show.  Documentary Programs: Documentary ones are shows that have a full script included out and I cues, interviews sometimes won’t be scripted as it won’t be necessary.  Speech packages: These are shows that are all speech on radio stations such as radio 4 drama’s. This is all mostly acting.  Live material: This is when bands or artist perform live on the show such as radio 1’s live lounges. This promotes the station as well as the band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lywi8TxhE2Y