The Six C's
Structure
Word Choice
100

Work at writing in a simple, understandable style; write to express an idea, not to impress your audience.

What is Clear?

100

Upright Pyramid

What is the structure for Broadcast?

100

Present Tense

What tense is preferred?

200

Last week’s events, accidents, and incidents are not today’s news.

What is Current?

200

75-80 Words

How many words a Broadcast will use to report?

200

Add to conversational aspect

What are contractions?

300

Write a story much the same way you’d tell it to a friend.

What is Conversational?

300

Direct and Conversational

What is the writing in Broadcast?

300

Develop rhythm. Combine short and long sentences.

What is the 20/25 rule?

400

Get to the main point. Use only essential words. Eliminate wordiness. Make your point and move on

What is Concise?

400

Focus on the Central fact, News Peg

What is the lead in Broadcast?

400

“DINFOS-DOT-O-S-D-DOT-MIL”

What are URLs?

500

Don’t raise new questions or leave old questions unanswered.

What is Complete?

500

Punctuation and Grammar

What do you forget about traditional writing in broaddcasting?

500

NOON or   MIDNIGHT (never 12:00 A-M or 12:00 P-M)

What is Time?