PUNCTUATION

Unlike punctuation for printed newswriting, punctuation in broadcast writing is used to help the announcer read the copy aloud. For example, a comma tells the announcer to pause, and a hyphen helps the announcer to pronounce difficult words.

The Period

As in any writing, the period indicates the end of a sentence or thought. More periods are used in broadcast writing because broadcast writing sentences are generally shorter and more conversational.

The Comma

Use the comma to indicate a pause shorter than that of the period. Do not use a comma unless you want the announcer to pause.

The Dash

Use the dash to set off appositive and other parenthetical expressions. Consider the following example:

The Hyphen

Use the hyphen to help announcers in phrasing difficult words and to instruct them on how to pronounce individual elements distinctly. Note the following examples:

The Dots

Occasionally, you can use a series of three dots to indicate a pause longer than that of a comma. The series of three dots can also be used for a dramatic effect. Consider the following example:

Parentheses

Normally, in broadcast copy, the material inside parentheses is not meant to be read aloud. Parenthetical material in broadcast copy includes notes to the announcer, such as pronunciation guides, reading rates, and so forth.

Quotation Marks

Quotation marks often will appear in broadcast copy as a cue to the announcer or newscaster to stress a particular word or phrase, setting it apart from the rest of the sentence. Do not confuse the use of quotation marks as a cuing device with their use for indicating a direct quote. Quotation marks also can be used as an aid to announcers to set off nicknames, titles of books and plays, and so forth. Note the following example: