A news bulletin is a group of stories about current affairs which are broadcast on radio or television. It is important that it appeals to listeners’ interests and concerns, ensuring they will return for more. It should also have a rhythm and pace which attracts the attention of listeners. It should not be dull and repetitive or have a voice which is grating and makes people switch off. It is necessary to understand what the audience likes and dislikes, and how it changes from day to day.
The main factors which will change a news bulletin into a proper bulletin are the overall order or balance of stories and its pace. Too many long complicated stories will slow the pace of the whole bulletin, making it difficult to keep listeners’ attention. A story about a fire for example may be written in short snappy sentences with words which convey simple ideas, and have a fast pace. But a story explaining some complex political controversy might need slightly longer sentences and words which convey more detailed ideas and have a slower pace.
A good bulletin will also include short recorded sound called actuality, such as a speech or an interview with someone who has direct knowledge of the news item. These help to make the story more interesting and credible. They can also break up the monotony of a lengthy passage of reading by one person. The bulletin should also have a musical theme which is used to introduce the opening announcement and sometimes, in the middle of the bulletin or to separate different segments of the bulletin.