These tips will help you with structure, tone, examples, and more information for writing professional scripts that are clear, concise, and engaging.
A news script is a written outline for a broadcast, designed to guide anchors and ensure a smooth delivery. It typically consists of:
Headline/Lead:
“Breaking news tonight—a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck San Francisco, causing widespread damage and panic.”
Main Body:
“The earthquake hit at 8:12 PM local time, shaking the Bay Area for nearly 30 seconds. Authorities have confirmed multiple building collapses and at least 10 fatalities so far. Rescue efforts are underway, and emergency teams are working to assess the full extent of the damage.
Experts are warning of potential aftershocks and urging residents to stay indoors and away from unstable structures. Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to assist with relief efforts.”
Closing:
“We’ll continue to bring you live updates as the situation develops. For now, stay tuned to [Channel Name] for the latest information.”
Headline/Lead:
“A heartwarming story tonight—a local elementary school is teaching kids the value of giving back.”
Main Body:
“Students at Maplewood Elementary have raised $15,000 to build a new playground for their community. The money was collected through bake sales, car washes, and even a charity fun run organized by the students themselves.
Principal Sarah Johnson says the project has brought the community closer together, saying, ‘It’s inspiring to see our kids take the lead in making a difference.’
The new playground is set to open next month, complete with swings, slides, and a special seating area for parents.”
Closing:
“Truly a wonderful example of teamwork and kindness. Back to you in the studio, [Co-Anchor’s Name].”
Headline/Lead:
“Prepare for a cold snap—an intense winter storm is heading toward the Midwest.”
Main Body:
“The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Heavy snow is expected, with accumulations of 8 to 12 inches by tomorrow evening.
Temperatures will plummet to single digits, with wind chills making it feel as low as -15 degrees in some areas. Officials are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for potential power outages.”
Closing:
“We’ll have more details in our full forecast later in the hour. Stay tuned.”
Headline/Lead:
“It’s a night to remember for the Lakers, who clinched the NBA Championship in a nail-biting final.”
Main Body:
“The Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 112 to 110 in overtime, securing their 18th championship title. Star player LeBron James delivered an incredible performance, scoring 40 points and making the game-winning shot in the final seconds.
After the game, James said, ‘This was for our fans. We couldn’t have done it without them.’ Fans flooded the streets of Los Angeles to celebrate, with police closely monitoring the festivities to ensure safety.”
Closing:
“Congratulations to the Lakers on an incredible season! Up next, [Co-Anchor’s Name] will bring you the latest in local news.”
Use this simple framework to draft any news script:
| Section | What to Include |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Headline | One sentence summarizing the story. |
| Lead | Provide the most important details (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How). |
| Details | Add context, background information, quotes, or statistics. |
| Closing | Wrap up with a transition, call-to-action, or additional information. |