Here is a sample TV News script and Format of writing a TV News Script that I decided to share here after searching for one to no avail during my undergraduate media studies. This sample television-TV news script is what is normally used by news anchors when reading news. It is normally drafted after the news anchor has received news from all the reporters on the ground.
A TV script comprises of 5 parts but the parts may differ depending on what the media house has to offer. Note that the TV news script does not include entirely what the reporter on the ground is going to report but a summary of it. Check that in the sample I have provided below
Format of writing a TV News Script
Opening sequence-1 minute
This part comprises the news highlights and they are normally not included in a news script. You know what I mean by news highlights but if you don’t let me spare some time and explain to you. News highlights are normally a summary of what will be read in the entire news bulletin.
Part 1: News 12-14 minutes
This part comprises the trending news items that will be read by the news anchor. This part may contain about 5 to 8 news items depending on what the media house has to offer that day. Some days have more news than others.
Commercial break: 2-4 minutes
After reading news for about 12-minutes news anchors take a break to allow for advertisements to run. Most advertisers prefer advertising their services during this time because of the high number of viewers.
Part 2: News 12-14 minutes
This part comprises of other news items. They are normally not trending news.
Commercial Break: 2-4 minutes
After reading news for about 12-minutes news anchors take a break to allow for commercials to run
Part 3: Business news 4-8 minutes
Business news lasts for about 4-8 minutes but the time differs from one media house to another.
Commercial Break: 2-4 minutes
Part 4: Sports News 4-8minutes
Sports news last for about 4-8 minutes but the time differs from one media house to another.
Part 5: Weather Updates
Not all media houses have weather updates so this section is not so necessary.
As indicated earlier TV scripts differ from one media house to another but this is the standard format of a TV news script. Check back for my next update of a sample radio news script and the format of writing a radio news script.
Download the complete Sample TV news script of real news that was read on KTN News TV for only $1.37 (Ksh. 137).
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I really appreciate your guidance but was thinking it would do me more good if you could direct and also give samples of a TV news script for more understanding. Thank you
this is helpful, but how can simplicity aid broadcast news scripting?
anytime
It is really good but can you people also help us with a two column news script for television.