This document provides information about various aspects of scriptwriting for radio shows. It discusses pre-show scriptwriting, the inclusion of features like advertisements and interviews, the need to script shows to maintain topics of discussion. It also covers documentary packages, music scripts, live features, signposting, abbreviations, punctuation, expanding acronyms, use of formal vs. colloquial language, spelling words phonetically, in/out cues, natural speech rhythms, and continuity announcements between programs.

2. Most people think that radio shows are just made up on the spot but in
fact a lot of time and effort goes into making a show work. Pre-show
scriptwriting to make sure that the content is appropriate and the
length of the programme is appropriate so it does not run over
someone else’s show.
To make a radio show you need to include features such as
advertisement, interviews and competitions. This is not only for music
based radio shows but also different genres such as drama, comedy,
and political shows. Most shows need to be scripted so that they can
carry on with the topic of discussion throughout the rest of the show or
day.

4. A documentary package is a factual programme that might include an
interview and it will be scripted pretty much word for word. It is well researched
and is planned in advanced. There is also timings for different features and
there maybe some interviews which include the name of the person and their
job title.
Music scripts is all about the script of timings of in and out cues and how long
the presenters talk for. It also has the timing for how long a song is. There is not
really a structure for it since they can add, add-lib. Depending on the house
style there may not even be a structure but if there is, it is very limited.
Live feature material is is any material that has been recorded live for
radio shows for example this may be done live for the show. An example
of this is Radio1‟s live lounge which they do on a weekly basis.

5. You are not going to be able to script everything since other people are
involved via phone in calls and interviews but you can make notes. Consists
of just talking where there is no music or songs being played. An example of
this is Metro Radio Nightowls with Alan Robson. This could be good and bad
because it could be an interesting conversation or it could be boring and
time consuming.
Signposting is the different sound effects or background noises used to set the
scene for different segments. For example if it was set at a football match, it
signposting would be the sound of a crowd shouting in the background. This
is to let the audience know where the scene is talking place. Another
example could be a music concert where the audience is singing along to
the songs.

7. When writing numbers for radio instead of writing the digits they spell the words
instead and also they round up or down the number.
1324 becomes “one thousand” again to make it room for more airtime and for
it to become easier for the audience to remember.
Abbreviation is the shortening of a word or phrase to make it more informal.
For example would be Professor becomes Prof. and Reverend becomes Rev.
Radio does this so that it takes less time to say, so that they can carry on with
what they are talking about. It uses less air time.
Punctuation is used when scriptwriting so that presenters or readers would
know when to take breath whether it be for emphasis or if it was a radio
drama to create tension. Mainly commas and full stops are used to inform the
reader when the right time to pause for breath is to cause less problems
further on in the script when the presenter or reader is struggling for breath.

8. Sometimes expanding an acronym, which is a shortened version of a phrase
or words, is important because if it is not a well known company such as
„Interpol” is actually “International Criminal police Organization” it will need
explaining, whereas the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) or RSPCA (Royal
Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals) does not need explaining.
Stations such as Radio 4 and BBC World Services use formal language since it is
aimed at the more sophisticated society which will understand the language.
To others listening to the station they might find it intimidating so that is why
local radio stations such as Metro and Capital use colloquial language which is
native to that area so it appeals more to the listener since they can relate to
what they are saying. Metro and Capital North East are more likely to use
Geordie/Mackem/Smoggie language. Whereas if it was a period radio drama
they would use authentic where possible.

9. Spelling words phonetically makes it easier for the presenter or whoever is
reading it to say the word correctly. This is either shown in brackets or
capitals with hyphens to separate the word. It cuts down the word into
sections, for example the word Afghanistan would appear AF-GAN-IS-TAN.
Jargon is where you use language which is only used by a select group of
people that only they would understand. Doctors would use certain words
and phrases to talk to other doctors or nurses and then they would explain it
in a simpler form to whomever the patient is.

11. This is using spoken language and not written. There is different grammar
involved and you have to think about how it is said and how you would say it.
You are better off writing own script, reading it out loud and then writing it
again. You have to write for a listener and not listeners.
The colour theme and font defies a station.
It is known by the audience who can
identify the stations. It is also the way that a
show is formatted, such as how the script is
written so that it keeps the station
standardized through the presenters and
the music that is being played.

12. Used for audio so for example setting out a playlist. The presenter would say “Up next we‟ve got Miley
Cyrus…” and then after the song has played end with “And that was Miley Cyrus with her new song
Wrecking ball”. This is done because someone might have tuned into the station half way through the
song and not know who sings it, so once the song has finished they are told who it is. This is also done with
the handover of presenters such as Nick Grimshaw handing over the breakfast show to Fearne Cotton for
the midday day show on Radio 1. This could be seen as and In Cue but not necessarily an out cue. In and
out cues also set up features, interviews and sometimes use vox-pop.
When it comes to radio, spoken language is different to written language. When you write a script to
be broadcasted you have to think about how it would be said out loud so the one thing is that you
always use contractions and use words that the target audience will use. You have to also use
different grammar so that the audience don‟t feel as intimidated. Presenters are better off writing their
own scripts because then they can use their language and write for one listener and not listeners. You
also have to think about how the audience will relate to what is being said so colours, flow of the
script and whether or not you should substitute words. When commenting on a subject that is serious
you do not want to have an exciting tone because it would be offensive to those involved and the
audience would be outraged. Harsh tone, language and aggression is generally used in politics when
discussing highly anticipated subjects. Persuasive language is used when you are wanting people to
do something, such as asking people to buy tickets to a concert you would advertise by using
persuasive language. Piers Morgan interview on gun control >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2btKEnfuA4

13. Natural speech rhythms is the rate at which you speak and the flow of how you
say words. Each dialect has a natural rhythm whether it be Geordie dialect or
Cockney. The rhythm of how you say a phrase connects the words together.
Everything has a natural rhythm whether it be speech or not. On average you
speak 3 words per second.
Continuity is a term used in broadcasting to refer to the
announcements, messages and graphics played by the broadcaster
between specific programmes. It typically includes programme scheduling
announcement of the programme immediately following (Brian Moore
midday show is followed by Stuart Elmore‟s Home Run on Metro radio) and
trailers or descriptions of forthcoming programmes. Continuity announcers
constantly repeat which station they are listening too, “I am Metro Radio” or
“Good afternoon you are listening too Radio 4”