A news bulletin is a summary of current events or information delivered to radio, television, or online audiences. A bulletin aims to be concise and focused, avoiding opinionated language or irrelevant details. It also prioritizes verified facts and direct quotes over speculation or a lack of reliable sources. Broadcast journalists may write news articles in a variety of formats, including breaking, feature, or investigative reports.
Radio news bulletins were a dominant form of information dissemination to households until home television became affordable and widespread in the late 1940s. A radio news program is presented by one or two anchors (or presenters, terminology varies around the world) and features a mix of current events and interviews. Some broadcasters provide a single news bulletin, while others create a series of newscasts throughout the day or offer continuous live coverage.
Creating a successful news bulletin requires an understanding of the audience. A bulletin that is irrelevant to the listener will be quickly tuned out and will not attract regular listeners. A journalist preparing a news bulletin should consider whether the story is of interest to local, regional, national, or international audiences; how these stories might affect their lives; and whether they will be able to understand the information in the context of the time and place in which it occurs.
The voice of the newsreader can also impact how the audience perceives a bulletin. A clear, attractive voice can draw in listeners while a rushed, monotonous or confusing delivery will repel them. The length of a news bulletin should be considered as well, avoiding too much filler material or repetition; and it is helpful to rewrite a news story for multiple bulletins throughout the day to ensure continuity. Adding sound bites to a longer bulletin can help to keep it engaging and relatable by providing first-hand evidence and breaking up the monotony of a lengthy report.
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