1. Just like news stories, broadcast/audio news releases are tailored for the ear.
2. That means short sentences, conversational construction, no dependent clauses, avoidance of acronyms, use of pronouncers, etc.
3. It also means a short release, given that broadcasters will likely have less time to “air” your story than someone writing for online. So back to the who, what, when and where over why and how. It can be a little longer though because you don’t know how much information they might need/use. Usually not more than 100-150 words. (You provide the longest format and they can cut it down if need be).
4. But this is PR, not news now. We have to think of those differences (our so-what, don’t volunteer the bad, citing our experts, etc.)
5. In addition to words, think how you provide actualities for broadcast media in your release. Set up websites with interviews, etc. These are important for radio.
COM252: Writing for the Mass Media 