How do you write a news story for broadcast vs. print?

• A. Broadcast requires concise sentences, clear attributions, active voice, and vivid visuals; print allows longer context and detail.
• B. Broadcast relies on long paragraphs; print uses short sentences.
• C. Broadcast and print are identical in style.
• D. Print requires no attributions.

Answer: (A)

Broadcast writing focuses on quick, clear communication when heard. Sentences are concise and typically short so listeners can follow along without getting lost. Attributions should be clear and placed early so audiences know who is speaking right away. Using an active voice keeps the narration direct and energetic, matching the immediacy of spoken news. Writers also plan with visuals in mind, making it easier for producers to pair words with images, sounds, or graphics to create a vivid impact even with limited descriptive prose.

Print writing, on the other hand, has room for longer context and detail. You can develop background, nuance, and multiple perspectives across longer sentences and paragraphs. There’s space to provide thorough descriptions, explanations, and richer quotes with more context. The lead can be broader, and the story can unfold at a more measured pace, guiding the reader through context and significance.

That combination explains why this approach fits best: broadcast requires concise sentences, clear attributions, active voice, and vivid visuals; print allows longer context and detail.