A news bulletin is a short radio news broadcast – often on the hour or half hour – which provides the bare facts of news stories before more depth is added in a full programme. A bulletin may be a single news story read by the newsreader or a series of stories with an audio clip (either a straight read from the newsreader or a 20- or 25-second audio clip). Composing a news bulletin requires both journalistic writing skills and editing skills – sourcing, selecting, checking and prioritising stories.
A key aspect of a news bulletin is clarity. It is crucial that the audience can understand what is being reported, especially as they cannot rewind or take notes whilst listening. This requires a simple editorial rule: short, clear sentences. Avoiding jargon is also important, as it can be difficult for listeners to follow. The use of sound bites can help with this, as they are more engaging and provide first-hand evidence. However, they should not be used for filler and the newsreader should ensure that all clips have an editorial reason to be included.
The news bulletin is a valuable opportunity for a radio station to highlight local events and issues that affect the community. It should be a balanced and digestible mix of information, which nourishes and prepares the audience for the day ahead. It is worth considering the demographics of the audience and ensuring that the content is relevant to them; political stories should be highlighted as to how they affect their daily lives rather than being focused solely on politics.