- Brian Mendonca
Writing for Television, Radio, and New Media (2018) by Robert Hilliard is a well-written book on the topic. One waits for a similar book on the Indian context though, given the fact that Hilliard's book, published by Cengage Learning from Stamford, Connecticut, USA, consists of 'real-world examples' (Preface, pg. xviii) exclusively drawn from the United States.
Available in PDF form (click the title), by URBE University, Florida, as part of its digital repository, the book is accessible to students of media particularly of electronic media (television, radio) and new media (internet, mobile and digital media). The book has been revised frequently since its first publication in 2008. Now in its eleventh edition it continues to serve media enthusiasts worldwide.
Audiences for television and radio are the masses. (Chapter 1, 'The Mass Media,' pg. 8) The audience for the internet is more rarefied. 'A subset of the internet that has expanded exponentially in the last few years . . . Social Media, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, . . . not only have gained millions upon millions of users, but have expanded in content, not the least of which is that of commercials.' (Preface, pg. xv)
Script writing is discussed with specific reference to television, radio, and film. (Chapter 3, 'Format and Style,' pg. 62) Tips regarding grammar, punctuation, abbreviations, gender, using the right word; and research are offered. All radio scripts are double-spaced. In a two-column layout the production details appear on the left with the dialogue and directions on the right. Effective broadcast writing (writing for radio and TV) requires the writer to be brief, retain and informal tone; be specific; personalize the matter; be natural; and be simple.
A radio script needs to be prepared after the writer is conversant with terms used in radio recording like on-mike, off-mike, fade-in, and fade-out. (Chp. 2, 'Basic Elements of Production, ' pg. 36; 67) There should be familiarity with sound effects: recorded, manual, and digital. Sound effects may be used to establish a locale (marching feet); to direct audience attention (banging a car door); establish time (clock striking); establish mood (laughter); suggest entrances and exits (receding footsteps); serve as transitions with cross-fades of sounds from one place to another; suggest non-realistic/artificial situations (space travel). A montage of sounds may also be used when one sound is not sufficient.
Newswriting is considered next with a discussion of variables like sources, style, objectivity, accuracy, personality, and approach. (Chp. 5, 'News and Sports,' pg. 147) Newswriting is then discussed with reference to radio, television, and internet. The virtues of rewriting are lauded. (pg. 176)
Documentaries have to consider form, approach, process, and application. (Chp.6, 'Features, Documentaries, and Reality Programmes,' pg. 208) Types of documentaries are discussed. 'Telling a story goes beyond the news report. A good feature or documentary has what a special event does not: drama, depth, and empathy between the audience and subject.' (pg. 209)
Interviews involve types, preparation, and research. (Chp.7, 'Interview and Talk Programmes,' pg. 266) The script for an interview can be prepared in advance. Interviews may be opinion oriented; information oriented; or personality oriented.
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