By Dr. Sarah Chidiebere Joe
Differences in Writing Styles – Newspaper, Radio, and Television
| News Element | Newspaper | Radio | Television |
| Lead | Focus on the 5Ws and H. Use 35 words or less. | Focus on the most important 5Ws and H. Use 10-15 words. | Focus on the most important 5Ws and H. Use 10-15 words. |
| Story Structure | The inverted pyramid style is applied. | The inverted pyramid style or a sequential telling of events approach is applied. | The inverted pyramid style or a sequential telling of events approach is applied. TV News also highlights the most dramatic events. |
| Quotation | Direct quotations are allowed. The person quoted is usually identified at the start, middle, or end of the quote. Statements are usually attributed in past tense. For instance, it is said, not says. Other popular verbs utilised in terms of attribution include stated, declared, revealed, added, commented, admitted, denied, etc. When referring to a source for the second time, use only the last name. For example, Secretary of the Commission Sarah Joe becomes, Joe. Pronouns can be used subsequently. | Actualities (audio tapes) are used. Indirect quotes or statement summaries are used. Attribution always precedes the statement, actuality, or indirect quote. Although the use of past tense is more formal, some stations use present tense. The tense applied is subject to the house style but must be consistent. For second reference, use only the title, that is the office the person holds. For example, Secretary of the Commission Sarah Joe becomes, Secretary of the Commission. | The rules of Radio apply here. The key difference is that the actuality comes in the form of a videotape. Although the use of past tense is more formal, some stations use present tense. The tense applied is subject to the house style but must be consistent. Radio rules apply here but the name and title can be displayed if sufficient time has gone by since the first tape. |
Headline:
DOCTORS PROTEST IN ABIA STATE, DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF THEIR COLLEAGUE OR EMBARK ON STRIKE.
lead:
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) protest on Friday soliciting for the freedom of their colleague Prof.Uwadinachi Iweha who was abducted in his hometown on June 6 by gunmen or they would embark on strike the next Monday.
Sources:
State Chairman, Dr.Chimezie Okwuonu.
Chief of staff,Okey Ahaiwe.