Broadcasting News Writing

Which of the following are characteristics of "writing for the ear?"

• Writing to be heard, not read.
• Uses short sentences
• Values active voice over passive voice.
• All of the above

True or False.
It is okay to use first person in broadcast-style writing.

• True
• False

Which sentence is written in active voice?

• The flames were extinguished just before 9 a.m.
• Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer.
• The Bucaneers record falls to 2-4 after they were beat by the Eagles today.

Which of the following is a benefit of writing out loud?

• It's more like "telling someone a story."
• You're more likely to write as you speak.
• You'll be able to hear the words you have trouble pronouncing- which could be a problem when you record your voiceover.
• All of the above.

Strong writing for television and radio uses what verb tense?

• Past
• Present
• Future
• Perfect

Which of the following should not be followed in broadcast newswriting?

• Sentences should be between 11-15 words.
• Conjunctions are acceptable.
• Use one idea per sentence.
• Incomplete sentences are acceptable.

When checking a sentence for passive voice, where do you put the "by zombies!"

• Before the verb.
• After the verb.
• In place of the verb.
• None of the above.

True or False.
Attribution goes after the quote when writing for broadcast.

• True
• False

Which of the following should be spelled out in broadcast newswriting?

• DEA
• ISI
• $
• 459

Which of the following sentences would you choose as the most well-written?

• Firefighters rushed to the scene of a massive blaze.
• Riot police use shields to push demonstrates back.
• The president was raked over the coals.
• Judge Riley sentenced him to 30 years in prison.