In the preceding 12 chapters we covered the subjects
that comprise roughly two-thirds of the journalist
rating print journalism and photography. Now we
will examine the electronic media, beginning with the
Although many of the techniques to be addressed
also apply to television (Chapter 14), our emphasis in
this chapter is on radio and the unique writing,
announcing and technical requirements of which you
must be aware.
THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF RADIO
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the basic
elements of the radio medium.
To use radio effectively as a Navy journalist, you
must remember the following one essential fact and be
constantly guided by it: radio is a medium of sound.
While people might hear without trying, they
generally do not listen without being stimulated.
Consequently, your job will be to stimulate them to
trigger their imagination so they can picture the event
being described, a necessity for an attentive radio
audience. To do this, you must use one or a combination
of the following three basic elements:
The most important element of radio is voice,
because it is generally the one used specifically to reach
the listener with the desired information.
When used on radio, sound must be distinguished
easily so the listener is able to interpret the sound and
understand what is being conveyed. The roar of a jet
engine and the muffled sounds of other flight deck
activity will help the listener to visualize the scene.
Music has a great suggestive power because it plays
on human emotion and colors scenes. It touches the
heart and mind and sets a desired mood. When properly
used, these elements should accomplish the following
three distinct purposes:
Attracting immediate interest
Maintaining that interest through a particular
Satisfying the audiences attention and curiosity
RADIO WRITING TECHNIQUES
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the basic
radio writing techniques.
Radio writing techniques are designed to capture
and hold the audiences attention until you have
delivered your message. These six techniques are as
Aural sense appeal
Power of suggestion
Pacing and timing
Freedom of movement
AURAL SENSE APPEAL
Radio depends entirely on the ear; it must work
completely on the listeners mental image inspired by
sound waves coming from the radio speaker.
Radio material must capture the attention of the
audience within the first few moments of presentation
or listeners will be lost. The material must present a
challenge, a promise, a suggestion or a conflict to arouse
the listeners attention.