The Art and Twists of TV News Writing: From KISS to Click Bait
As a former TV news writer and now a seasoned SEOer, I’ve seen the intricate process of news writing that boils down to its essentials while also crafting compelling content to keep audiences engaged. The essence of TV news writing is a careful balance of simplicity, precision, and audience engagement. The elimination of unnecessary words, known as the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule, is crucial in making stories accessible and easy to understand.
Efficiency and Engagement: The KISS Rule in Action
News writers are often limited to short intervals, with pitches of just 1.5 minutes to deliver a full package. This tight turnaround encourages a concise yet informative delivery. Techniques like teasers play a significant role in maintaining viewer interest. For instance, before the commercial break, a segment might show a child’s excitement and ask, "What has this little guy so fired up? We will tell you coming up." This not only hooks the audience but also ensures their return once the commercial ends.
The Subtleties of Rewriting and Language Shifts
One of the challenges in TV news writing is the transformation of original statements into more sensational or misleading ones. This can involve shifting the tone from a straightforward report to a more dramatic or even fabricated version. Here are a few examples:
Example 1:
Original: "XXX said he didn't know anything about YYY."
Revised: "XXX refused to answer any questions about YYY."
While the revised version may sound more definitive and serious, it may not be entirely accurate. The original statement indicates a lack of knowledge, whereas the revised version infers an intentional attempt to avoid answering.
Example 2:
Original: "An early bulletin says 'Politician A says that B did C."
15 minutes later, the station says, 'The story was incorrect."
The next 3 hourly bulletins don't drop the original story, they rebroadcast it with no mention of the correction. The correction is only included when the story is rewritten for the evening bulletin.
The issue here is clarity and accuracy, as repeated incorrect information can lead to misinformation. A preferred version would be:
"Politician A was wrong when he said that B did C. 'The station has revised their report to correct the earlier statement."
This version acknowledges the error while still providing context and airing the correction.
Paid Content and Clichés: The Dark Side of Rewriting
Buried in the dynamics of news writing is the temptation to pad content with clichés to increase word count. This practice not only reduces the overall quality of the piece but also alienates readers who seek substantive and reliable information. Media organizations often reward writers based on the number of words produced, leading to an inflation of content that lacks true value.
The Importance of Diverse News Sources
To mitigate the risks associated with biased and sensationalized content, it's crucial to consume news from a variety of sources. This diversification helps in validating information and identifying inconsistencies. Even after multiple rewrites, some news sources may still contain inaccuracies or hidden biases. Therefore, it’s essential to critically evaluate news pieces and cross-reference them against multiple reliable sources.
As a professional in SEO, understanding the nuances of news writing and its impact on readers is vital. By recognizing the importance of simplicity, accuracy, and diversified content consumption, we can steer towards producing and consuming more reliable and engaging news content.