A radio script provides verbal and nonverbal instructions for a radio programme. It usually includes structural elements and content details to ensure accuracy and a smooth broadcast. Below is a general structure and format of a radio script.
Header Information should be provided at the top of the radio script. It should include –
Programme Title:
Date: (airing/recording date):
Name/s of writer/Producer:
Time & Duration:
Name/s of Cast/Presenters:
After the Header information, the Segment Breakdown should be given. It divides the programme into different segments.
For example, the segment breakdown of a news-based programme is provided below.
00:00 – 00:30: Introduction and theme music
00:30 – 05:00: News
05:00 – 07:00: Interview
07:00 – 10:00: Discussion
10:00 – 12:00: Listener feedback
12:00 – 15:00: Closing and sign-off
When the segment division is done, we must write the programme’s Dialogue and Narration. An example of this from a news-based programme is given below:
Veena: (Excitedly) Welcome to the Evening News Round-Up! Today, we’ll cover the latest news stories from around the world.
[Pause]
Dhanya: (Calmly) But, first, a commercial break, and we will be right back.
Next, we have to include Sound Effects and Music. Use cues to mark when to play sound effects or music. Below is an example of marking sound effects and music for a radio drama.
[SFX: Window creaks open]
Narrator: It was a night when the detective arrived at the scene.
[SFX: Sound of thunder and rain]
The next step is to add Timing Marks. Timing marks ensure everything fits within the allocated time. Below is an example of how to add timing marks for a news-based programme.
Kavitha: (00:00 – 00:30) Welcome to Evening News Round-Up. (30 seconds)
[SFX: jingle]
Kavitha: (00:30 – 02:00) Now, let’s take a look at today’s top headlines. (90 seconds)
Then, write the Introduction and Closing. Start with a welcome message to catch the listener’s attention and end with a closing statement to wrap up the programme. An example of how to write an introduction and a closing of a music-based programme is given below:
[MUSIC: Intro music]
Archa: Good morning, listeners! You’re tuned into “Start Your Day Right.”
Beena: That’s all for today. Thanks for listening, and tune in tomorrow for more stories!
[MUSIC: Outro music]
Finally, remember to add Commercial Breaks. If the programme has ads, mark the breaks clearly in the script. An example is given below.
Example:
[Cue: Fade out from main programme with music]
Commercial break: Try Brew Coffee for the best start to your day!
[Cue: music to come back into the programme]
Tips for Script Formatting:
Use simple fonts to make it easy to read.
Speaker names and cues should be aligned to the left, with the dialogue indented.
WORKS CITED
McLeish, Robert. Radio Production: A Manual for Broadcasters. 6th ed., Focal Press, 2005.
Mastrangelo, Lisa. “The Art of Radio Scripting: Key Steps to Effective Communication.” Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, vol. 52, no. 2, 2010, pp. 213-226.
“Writing for Radio.” The Writers’ Guide, https://www.thewritersguide.co.uk/writing-for-radio.
“How to Audio Drama: Script Formatting.” DiscoverPods, 24 August 2020, https://discoverpods.com/audio-drama-script-formatting/.
Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan is a teacher, bilingual writer and artist with over two decades of experience in teaching English language and literature. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at NSS College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Her blog, ashlit.in brings together academic resources, creative writing in Malayalam and English, and visual art. The platform features lecture notes, study materials, poems, reflections, short prose, and a curated collection of her paintings. Through this space, she seeks to foster learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature and the arts.
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