Radio news broadcasting and news bulletins may be the style of speech output most familiar to radio news journalists and producers on most music radio station, but much of radio’s speech output that apart is in the form of features, interviews and in essence, programming similar to the content readers of any magazine or newspaper will be familiar with but in audio form.
Starting out on a Feature
So where should an extended feature idea start and is there is a useful template or format? There is a logical order that may help start a feature rise from the blank page.
- Decide the main idea behind the feature.
- Write it down and examine other connected areas that might result from this initial idea.
- Choose a story or an angle for the idea that will run throughout the piece.
- Consider who might contribute effectively to the piece.
- Is it an idea those involved feel passionate enough about to make it interesting?
The process of making a radio feature is like putting together a series of building blocks, starting with the initial idea, adding contributions and taking away the pieces that don’t fit. Simple square blocks are easier to put together, but some angles might add interest.
The Feature from the Listener’s Perspective
Before developing the idea there are a number of crucial questions that should be asked about the planned work that will save time and effort later, questions that may decide the course of the whole project.
- Is the idea strong enough to make a feature?
- Has it been done before?
- Is there an alternative angle to the subject not previously examined?
- Who is it aimed at and will the listener find it interesting?
- What potential barriers are there to any likely production?
- Is the feature right for the intended broadcast media?
- Is it a big enough subject?
Answer yes to most of these questions and it’s time to move to the next stage of the feature.
Write a Draft Script
Some broadcasters feel their personality will carry them through most situations and a formal script makes them sound either less exciting or less spontaneous. The opposite of this is generally the case. A script is essential in any feature or audio of any length to give it cohesion and intelligence and to ensure the story doesn’t become lost. Think of a script as a safety net or an intended plan of action (Plan A.) If events dictate that script be deviated from to present a better production then do that. A script meeting or an individual broadcaster may benefit from walking through a script in the following manner.
- Write an initial script outlining the idea.
- List the first points of the piece in logical order
- Make sure the opening is interesting and attracts the listeners’ attention
- Use ordinary language and short sentences.
- Keep it simple.
A basic outline will help the next stage be more valuable and keep the impetus of the piece concentrated on the basic idea. Next:
Production of the Feature
Working with the initial script especially if more than one person is involved will help to concentrate all minds on the subject of the intended feature and bring it to a logical conclusion. Now is the time to:
- Assemble all the material, audio, written and/or verbal anecdotes.
- Determine now the impact of the research and material on the initial idea.
- Be prepared now to alter or rewrite the initial script.
- Decide what format the audio inserts will take from original recorded sound, library audio, and re-creations.
- Cast a narrator, a voice for the piece that will be the listeners’ “constant guide” to the feature.
- Decide on the length of the piece, and that it has a natural and reasoned conclusion.
Again it will be useful to listen to the finished audio from a listeners’ perspective, or get a fresh pair of ears, someone not previously involved in the production to listen to the audio, and take on board their opinions. This of course doesn’t necessarily mean making any changes!
Final Test
Any feature should pass the Three C’s test.
- Clear
- Concise and
- Correct.
If it does, and the content is put together with care and passion, it’s quite likely it may even be an award winning piece of audio. The last thing to do to achieve this is of course to enter it into appropriate award competitions.
Dan McCurdy - Dan McCurdy is a freelance writer producer creative and lecturer. Dan is one of the UK's most experienced radio writers and producers. ...
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