UNIT 1 RADIOFORMATS '

Structure
Introduction
Objectives
Programme Formats
Spoken-word Programmes: Basic Formats
1.3.1 Talks and Discussions
1.3.2 Interviews
1.3.3 Drama
Other Formats of Spoken-word
1.4.1 Features and Documentaries
1.4.2 Magazines
1.4.3 Commentaries
1.4.4 Talk Shows
1.4.5 Quiz
1.4.6 Reports
1.4.7 Advertisements
1.4.8 Poetry Recitation-Symposia
News Programmes
1.5.1 NewsBulletins
1.5.2 News Magazines
1.5.3 News Reels
Interactive Programmes
1.6.1 Phone-in Programmes
1.6.2 Radio Bridge
1.6.3 Voice Mail
Music Programmes
Let Us Sum Up
Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This is the first unit of Block 1, Course MJM-002. In this block, we have included Tour units:
radio formats, presentation techniques, spoken-word programmes, news and news reels. The
' first unit aims at providing basic information about various Radio Formats. It discusses how
radio broadcasts comprise a variety of programmes in different formats. Although these
formats come for a detailed discussion separately, this unit serves as a curtain raiser of the
formats discussed in the Course. In this unit, you will be familiarised with the characteristics
of different formats and how they are used in the production of a variety of programmes.

1.1 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit you will be able to:
identify the categories of radio formats;
enumerate the characteristics of various radio formats;
differentiate between the formats, which are similar to each other; and
appreciate the various programmes produced in different formats.

1.2 PROGRAMME FORMATS

A format is a framework for organizing and articulation of ideas and talents. Different formats
are used in radh as it has a wide range of audience with different tastes.and preferences.
It has to provide a variety to relieve the monotony in broadcast as well as convey messages
effectively.Understanding the formats of the programme will help you to choose the
appropriate format as per the requirements of the theme, target audience, nature and
objectives of the programme.
Programme Concepts The selection of a format is related to a number of factors such as:
the nature of the subject and its ramifications;
the nature of the recordings involved - studio based or outside broadcast (OB)
based or both; .
the nature, content and extent of documentation required; and
the resources available.

The broadcast of a Radio station includes a variety of items. Some of them cater to the needs
of general audience and as such may include items, which could interest most of the listeners.
Programmes are also broadcast for specific audiences such as women, youth, children,
students, farmers, industrial workers and senior citizens to meet their specific communication
needs. The special audience programmes bring specific items of relevance and interest to a
particular audience. Specific interest programmes also include western music, sports
commentaries and programmes in dialects etc. The techniques of production and presentation
of these programmes vary widely which will come for detailed discission in separate units.

1.3 SPOKEN-WORD PROGRAMMES: BASIC FORMATS

We are sure, you must be an avid listener of radio programmes. Think of some of the
programmes on radio that you like and try to identify their formats, At this point, do not worry
about the accuracy of what you have written. You will be able to review it after reading this
section.
r
Programme Format
* *

The basic elements of a radio progranuqe are, Word, Music, Effect and Silence which convey
messages, ideas or thoughts. The listener creates hisher own pictures with the help of these
elements. Keeping in view the nature and emphasis, radio programmes are broadly grouped
under the following areas: Spoken-word, News and Music programmes. News also comes
under Spoken-word. However, due to its distinct identity it constitutes a separate category.
The basic formats of Spoken-word programme are: Talks,Discussions. Interviews and Plays.
Features, Documentaries and Magazines, Talk Shows, Commentaries, Quiz, Poetry
Recitation, Radio Reports and Advertisements are some of the other formats of spoken-word.

1.3.1 Talks and Discussions

Most of the spoken-word formats are talk-based. Talk is a straight delivery of words by a
particular speaker. Radio talks are generally of short duration i.e. 5 to 10 minutes. Talk can
be an effective format to present an opinion on an issue or a problem. These are generally
phnned in advance; however, talks on important items or current affairs are also arranged at
a short notice. In large radio stations, the producer prepares schedules of talks on a quarterly
basis wherein; subjects relating to Economics, Politics, Science, Sports, Social, Art, Culture,
Festivals, Anniversaries etc, are included. In Special Audience Programmes emphasis is
placed on talks of specific relevance and importance to the target audience.

Mseusslon in progress
 ~ a d i Formats
o
In sharp contrast to the talk, which is presented by one person, a discussion generally includes
2-3 participants and a moderator. A discussion presents analysis of an issue from different
angles and brings forth more than one opinion on a given subject. The subject may be
political, social, cultural or issue based but it must evoke the interest of a listener and sustain
it. The duration of the discussion varies from 15 to 30 minutes depending upon the topic,
utility and the number of participants. The role of the moderator is crucial for the success of
discussion. S h e conducts the discussion, introduces the subject as well as the participants.
S h e facilitates the presentation of diverse viewpoints and provides equal opportunity to each
participant to express views. The discussion is concluded by summing up the main issues
raised in the programme.

1.3.2 Interviews
An interview requires the participation of two people; the interviewee and the interviewer.
Interviewee is the subject expert who may be a political leader, scholar, adventurer, dancer,
actor, comedian etc. An interviewer raises questions and queries about the subject, personality
or issues to elicit more details for the audience. The interviewer always keeps the objective of
the interview in mind. S h e brings the expert to focus on those points, which are related to the
objective. The interviewer asks appropriate supplementary questions, hence; the ability to
listen attentively and to think quickly are essential attributes of an interviewer. The
interviewer needs to do hidher homework thoroughly and study the background of the
interviewee to bring forth new, interesting and vital information. It is important to note that
the interviewee is the main focus of the interview and the questions are framed in such a
manner that the listener's doubts or queries are addressed. The technical aspects, microphone
placement, background noise etc. should also be kept in mind while producing an interview.

1.3.3 Drama
Radio Play, according to Robert McLeish, a well known authority on radio broadcasting
"is w i n g of words and action into satisfying pictures within the listeners mind by using
the techniques of drama." The medium in its relationship to drama is unique. According to
W.R. Auden a renowned author. 'the disembodied voices of radio' can create characters and
setting conveniently. The listener eonstruds a profile of each character in mind according to
hisher interpretation. The principles of radio drama also apply in commercials, dramatized
readings, short serials and educational programmes meant for children.

Recording of dialogues for a play

Music and effects play an important role to create and understand the characters and the time
frame. Effects such as a car drawing up, car stopping urgently with the screech of tyres,
passage of time through ticlung of clock, night time through owl hooting, early morning
through cock crowing, outdoor rural setting through birds singing etc. help to spin the
imagination of thte listener. With the help of these special effects radio drama conveys not
what is real but vvhat is understandable. However, using too many effects restricts to convey
the message. Music and Effects are primarily used to underline a specific dramatic point.
You will learn rnore about it in the unit on 'Radio Drama'. I
Programme Conceptr :; t t b: % O U F P:.a)i<i.. : 1

1.4 OTHER FORMATS OF SPOKEN-WORD

Besides what you have learnt in section 1.3, there are several other spoken-word formats in
which we find the fusion of one or more basic format. Spoken-word on radio can be presented
in many and varied forms as they are suited to the tastes of wider sections of the audience,
particularly for those who have cultivated good listening habits. Programmes such as short
stories, serialization of novels, travelogues etc., have been tried successfully by many radio
stations. While the cardinal principles of spoken-word - simplicity, lucidity and euphony
(pleasantness of sound especially in words) apply to all these formats, the producer of the
programme has to show good sense of judgement in selecting the short stories, attempting
episodic division of a novel. For a mass medium like radio, literary pieces of a high
intellectual caliber, philosophical or sheer experimental in style, would not suit. The selection
of the speaker is also crucial to the success of the programme. S h e has to have a flow,
modulation in voice and adequate measure of histrionics in order to portray emotions
through voice.

1.4.1 Features and Documentaries

A Radio feature is a 'sound picture of a person, event place or development imaginatively
presented by a creative person'. Radio documentary belongs to the genre of features. It is
referred to as"radio dramatic presentation of actuality'. According to Robert McLeish,
"4documentary programme is fully fact b&ed on documentary evidence, written record,
attributable sources, contemporary interviews and the like. Its purpose is essentially to inform,
to present a story or situation with a total regard for honest and balanced reporting. If the
producer sets out to provide a balanced, rounded and truthful account of something or
-
someone that is a documentary". Writing and presenting a Feature requires creativity.
Gathering facts, presenting them creatively, the art of using music and effects, selecting
proper voices are some of the challenges,.which the producer of features has to face.
Both features and documentaries include more than one basic format of spoken-word.

The dividing line between a documentary and a feature is very thin. One of the largely
accepted views is that if the producer provides a balanced and truthful account of a place or
a person, it is considered a documentary. However, if s h e gives greater rein to imagination
and does not stick to the facts, even thougb the source material is real-\that is a feature. New
formats such as docu-drama, (combining the elements of documentary and drama) have also
emerged. We should be carehl to ensure that fact and fiction are not combined and their
boundaries are clearly demarcated, maintaining the essential difference lbetween what is real
and what is not.
Scripting and voicing are important requirements for both feature and documentary. While b d l o Formats
scripting, only the simplest possible terms are used. Language is kept in tune with the overall
tone and tenor of the programme. Minimum words are used allowing the actuality of
recordings to explain the subject. The narration should sound natural and clear to sustain
as well as enhance the listener's interest. Shouting, preaching or talking down needs to be
avoided at all cost.

1.4.2 Magazines
Where have you come across the term magazine? It must be in the print media. As in any
magazine the content has a variety of formats including features, interviews, cartoons etc.
Magazines have distinct character, style and contain articles, features, poems etc., usually on
the set columns or pages. Similarly in radio, &he magazine format has a distinctive character
of its own. A radio magazine includes a variety of items such as an informative talk, an
interview with the expert in the field, poetry, a quiz etc. All these items are presented with
suitable linkages. In spite of the variety in content, the items of the programme follow a set
pattern and are usually presented in the next edition in a similar order. Radio magazine could
be thematic like a science magazine, sports magazine, literary magazine or cultural magazine
programme. The title of the magazine programme itself helps to' identify the area and focus
of the programme. For example Khel Patrika, Vigyan Patrika or Sports Magazine. The
production of Magazine programmes comes for detailed discussion under Unit 8, Block 2
of this Course.

1.4.3 Commentaries
Running commentary is one of the popular formats of radio. In sharp contrast with television,
in which visuals unfold an event, a Radio listener 'sees' the event through the word picture
given by the commentator. Radio commentary is faster than television, as the radio
commentator has to give the details, which the TV camera provides. A radio commentator has
to mention whether the sky is clear or overcast, what is the colour of the dresses of the teams
playing the match or if a batsman in a cricket match is wearing a helmet or not and so on.

You may wonder how a commentator is able to recognize the players in a hockey match,
where the game is so fast. First of all the commentator gets the list of players in advance,
which would mention the names of the players and their positions of play. Secondly, they
have jersey numbers on their back. The information helps him/her to recognize the players.
The commentator also takes pains to meet the players before the match to familiarize
himheiself with the players. Usually, those who have played the particular game for a
number of years are assigned the task of sports commentary.
Programme Concepts 1.4.4 Talk Shows
Talk shows have become very pqpular on television. Talk shows are also organized on radio
In this format, two or three speakers are invited to speak on a given topic, and the audience
present in the studio question them. This may be termed as an extension of interview fonnat
in which one person talks with one expert. In talk shows, the experts may be more than one,
and the persons to ask the questions are also more than one. Experts are called to speak on
social issues, Cartoonists may speak on creativity, Literary writers may speak on their style
of writing, Doctors speak on health related issues such as AIDS or problems of drug abuse e t ~ .
People from different walks of life or from the related field, as per the objectives of the
programme are invited to participate and ask questions. Experienced and articulate anchor
persons conduct the Talk shows and navigate the programme with style, wit and a sense of
humour to make it interesting and lively.

1.4.5 Quiz
Qulz programmes are generally studio-based. The participants are invited according to the
topic selected for the quiz. The Quiz Master, who conducts the programmes puts questions
to the participants, gives them~easonabletime to answer the questions and announces the
correct answers. The level of the questions is kept appropriate to the level of the target group.
The duration of the quiz programme is generally kept 20 to 30 minutes. The time, duration
and nature of questions varies according to the target group.

1.4.6 Reports
A Radio Report is based on outside recording (OB), including excerpts fro-mspeeches,
eyewitness accounts with actuality, interviews, and statements by the local authorities etc.
Radio report uses a narrator in order to link up pieces of actuality sound pertaining to an
event. The presenter's job is to put this material into a coherent perspective, filling the gaps.
The chronology of the event should not get distorted despite various parts being presented ifi
the report in a different order. The producer here resorts to the technique of "back and forth"
in order to give prominence to important segments of the event.

Keeping in view the primary purpose of communication to keep the listener informed,
radio report brings to the listeners an account of functidns, happenings, accidents, visits of
important personalities, or any cultural show or exhibition. This fonnat can be effectively
used to cover various functions in an institution. The duration of a radio report is usually of
10 to 30 minutes depending upon the importance of the event.

1.4.7 Advertisements
Advertising is a paid form of communication and its prime objective is to sell a product or
an idea. This is generally done by imparting information, developbg attitudes and inducing
actions beneficial to the advertiser. Social Advertising is also undertaken on various themes,
such as Consumer protection, Environmental protection, Health care, Polio vaccination,
Communal harmony, Exercising ones franchise etc

Among the various mass media available, advertising on the Radio is extremely inexpensive.
Commercial advertising on the radio is accepted as spots or jingles from 10 to 60 seconds
duration. The sponsorship of certain programmes is accepted and the sponsor gets Free
Commercial Time (FCT) to advertise his/her product or service. The advertisement tariff is
rel'ated to the reach of the radio station, listener-potential, the duration and time of broadcast.
Time check advertisements which are in the form of a slogan or jingle normally of seven
seconds duration are accepted on commercial channels.

The client usually approaches an advertising agency with hisfher advertising requirements.
Agencies have their own creative departments and production departments. The agency
converts the client's objectlve into a message and ensures the following factors:
whether it grabs attention;
whether it is relevant;
whether it is centered around a promise; and
whether it is branded clearly.
The agency uses different formats including music in preparing the advertisement. Before the h d l o Format#
advertisement is finalized pre-testing is also done. The advertisement for broadcast has to be
in conformity with various regulations. You will read about them in detail in Unit 9 on
Advertising on Radio.

1.4.8 Poetry Recitation-Symposia

In addition to the above, some other programmes, viz., poetry recitation, also make use of
the spoken-word. Renowned poets and upcoming poets are invited for such broadcasts.
Mushairas and Kavi Sammelans of 30 or 60 minutes duration are planned, recorded and
broadcast. Poetry recitation has its special attributes and form, which is quite different from
the prosaic form of our speech and conversation. Lyricism is also an ingredient of poetry, an
effect is created by its inherent rhythm and meter. It easily lends itself to musical presentation.
Poetic expressions are capable of condensing an entire philosophy or concept in a few words
or couplets. The effect of the poetry is achieved through emotive impulses delving deep into
the meaning of the words. The style of recitation adds to the impact of the poetry.

Poetry recitation is a part of oral and social traditions of our society. Mushaira, Kavi
sammelan get tremendous response among Indian audiences. Poetry is not the staple diet of
broadcasting; however, to reflect all contemporary art forms, poetry recitation cannot be
overlooked. Poetry recitation is a part of literary magazines on radio; poetic symposia are
presented like concerts.

1.5 NEWS PROGRAMMES

For quite some time the quickest and the most important way of getting new information used
to be Radio. Even today, there are many loyal listeners of radio news who start the day with
listening to morning news bulletin. Radio News is basically a spoken-word item. But as its
production is distinctly different from that of other programmes, it is taken as an independent
segment of broadcasting. Radio News is different from a newspaper or television news. Radio
news can only provide hard facts and not the finer details of an event as given in newspapers.
The reader of a newspaper can select news items of histher choice, which is not possible with
radio news. Moreover, one can leave a story and go back to the previous one, which again is
not possible with radio news. Although the radio news is written in advance, it is 'presented'
and not 'read'. The medium is voice-to-ear, not news-to-eye as in newspapers. Radio news is
presented in different formats, viz., News Bulletin, News Magazine, Newsreel etc.

1.5.1 News Bulletins

The News Bulletin has been the baqitional format of presenting radio news. The News
Bulletins cover both national and inte~ationalnews, human-interest stories and sports news,
which generally round off the major bhlletins. There are some special Sports bulletins of five
minutes duration separately.

News casting comprises collection, selection, scripting, editing, production and presentation
of news bulletins. News agencies constitute the main source of news, however; there are
several other sources of news collection. These include staff correspondents, part-time
correspondents and monitoring service. The latter provide material, based on monitoring of
external broadcasts. Only newsworthy items are selected for broadcast. The factors that
govern news-worthiness are timeliness, proximity, conflict, prominence, Governments action,
human interest, weather, sports and developmental activity.

13
Programme Concepts The News Bulletin is written in crisp, precise, to the point manner and in simple words. Care
is taken that the news report is accumte, balanced, objective and clear. In preparing the news,
command over the language is a must in order to explain the complex issues in simple terms
to a common listener. There are some recent innovations in presenting News Bulletins.
Carrespondents' voice dispatches and excerpts from the statements of leaders or eminent
personalities having news value are included in the news bulletin. These dispatches are 'live'
as well as recorded. With the availability of satellite newsgathering facility, the news bulletins
are able to incorporate more 'live' dispatches from the field.

1.5.2 News Magazines

News magazine format is in vogue these days. A news magazine as the title suggests,
includes a variety of news based items in different formats. These could be a news bulletin,
a topical commentary, talk, interview, discussion and a press review. The correspondents'
dispatchesme also often included. While a news bulletin is generally of 5-10 minutes
duration, a magazine is of longer duration. The 6 a.m. News in Hindi of All India Radio is
cast in the format of a bulletin while the 2.30 p.m. News in Hindiais a comprehensive news
magazine.

1.5.3 Newsreels
Newsreel is in the nature of a news report. It is generally of ten minutes duration. In sharp
contrast to the news bulletin which is broadcast live, newsreels are always recorded. In a news
bulletin, news items are dealt in crisp and concise manner. Newsreel deals a story in greater
detail by including voice dispatches, interviews and actual background sound. It may also
include spot reports, eyewitness accounts, comments, reactions and extracts from speeches.
Thus, Newsreel supplements news bulletin and provides background of the news. Voice plays
a dominant role in newsreels through the comments of the main players of news as well as the
analysis of a given issue.

' 3:;7;%, pid:.mJi:,.~is.; 3

.!?"-?GI

"4~e.; it a: 5 I for your answers.

gl;,lj r-:.ti.li;a between rhc hilowing:

t26ifc:.:;.::~~5.
a ?,~{:ict 2ewa and Yewspaper news
.D ':fir j ~~:JI~c::Fs ami Newsreels

-- ..
,, > .I.............................................................................".."
...........................................................................
.................................................................
.... ?'
j.............................................................~.......~..~~

............................................................ ................

..........................................................................................

1.6 INTERACTIVE PROGRAMMES

The process of cornmunicat~oncombines message, transmission, channel, decoding, receiver
action and feedback. It is a continuous cycle of sending a message and receiving the
feedback. Radio has for a long time been a one-way communication medium. This one-way
nature was one of the limitations of radio medium. But thanks to strides in technology, radio
has overcome it to a considerable extent. Radio has found new ways of broadcast using and
connecting phones to its studios in addition to replies to listener's letters. Open-house
programmes, people's fonun and similar OB based programmes, Listeners club programmes,
etc., which provide the two-way communication system to the radio. Phone in, Radio Bridges,
Voice Mail are the other programmes of interactive nature introduced in the recent times.

14
 Radio Formats
1.6.1 Phone-in Programme
Phone-in programme gives a chance to the listeners to participate in the programme directly
by raising questionstqueries live on air. Such programmes are very popular in Metro cities
and places where large numbers of people have access to phone facilities. In Phone-in
programmes, experts from different fields are invited to speak, and later the person anchoring
the prograrlunes allows the listeners to raise questions to get clarification on the points, where
they have some doubts. The listener can participate through the phone linets (there may be
more than one and the numbers are announced well in advance), which are connected to the
studios. Thus, the listener can get replies to histher queries in real time. Phone-ins on health
related subjects are a regular feature of programming in several stations.

These Interactive programmes are proving useful in the field of education. Indira Gandhi
National Open University is using interactive radio as part of its learning package from 186
AIR radio stations. Students can pose questions to the experts from their homes and interact
freely to seek further information, clarification and guidance on academic matters. In addition,
various issues related to admissions, submission of assignments, examination, declaration of
results etc. are also taken up during Phone-in sessions. Students enrolled with the university,
parents and prospective students get their doubts clarified by posiilg questions during such
sessions. Toll-free phone facility available in 80 cities helps to reach out to the listeners and
involve them in the broadcasts.

The phone facilities at present are limited and available to a certain sections of people.
However, as the facilities increase, the techniques and formats of interactive communication
will become more useful and popular among the people.

1.6.2 Radio Bridge

Radio Bridge signifies the extension of Phone-in programmes. In a phone-in programme,
listeners usually interact with the experts located in the studio of a particular radio station.
However, in a Radio Bridge programme four or more studios of different cities are connected
and experts called to discuss a given topic or issue. Thus, the listeners are able to listen to the
opinions or views of different experts at one time from different places and can also elicit
clarification from the experts 'live'.

1.6.3 Voice Mail

To obtain feedback of the listeners, letters are invited from them. However, this form of
feedback has its limitations. It is through writing only, which takes time. People generally
avoid writing letters and expressing their appreciation or criticism of a programme.
To overcome this, Radio stations have now dedicated telephone for receiving voice mail.
The listener can now record hisher views, opinion or suggestionsover phone at an tilne,
I
which will be automatically recorded on the tape. The 'replies to listeners letters' p ogrwmes
include the comments of the listeners in their own voice recorded in the Voice Mail Box,,
along with replies. Thus, radio is able to get a quicker feedback and that too in listener's
voice. Listening to one's own voice over radio not only involves the 1istener"m a programme,
OlGn
but also forges a sense of belonging and affinity with the radio station.
--
1.7 MUSIC PROGRAMMES --
Music constitutes a predominant component in radio broadcasts. Background music helps
the listeners to understand and appreciate the mood, setting, place or time particularly in radio
play. Vocal Music, which is word-based, serves a similar purpose. A synergy of Music and
Speech in radio heightens the dramatic effect. Music is also used as a bridge to link different
sequences.

15
'Programme Concepts

Recording of a music concert

Radio provides different forms of Music. Those include; Classical Music, Hindustani and
Karnataka Light Music, Light Classical Music, Folk and Tribal Music, Choral Music, and
InstrumentallOrchestral Music besides film music. The formats of Musical broadcasts include
Music Concerts-classical and light, independent songs, and (light and light classical) Musical
operas, Music Magazines and Music features. Film songs in different languages, Western
Music-vocal, instrumental and orchestral of classical and pop variety form part of Music
broadcasts. These include programmes of the listener's choice. Presentation of Music
programmes is done in different ways, some are presented as independent items while others
are compered and presented.

1.8 LET US SUM UP

To learn the production xhniques of radio programmes, it is necessary to get an idea of
broadcasting in general and the various programme formats and the production.approach in
particular. This unit serves as a curtain raiser for the units which will follow in the course
delineating the characteristics, nature and types of various radio formats.

We discussed three major groups of radio broadcasts: Spoken-word programmes, News,

and Music programmes. Talks, discussions, interviews and plays constitute spoken-word
programming. News also belong to the spoken-word format but news has its own sub-formats
like news bulletin, news magazine and newsreel. It is therefore given the status of a separate
format. Interactive programmes also come under the format of spoken-word, the technical
production being different ffom the talk and other basic formats of spoken-word. Music
programmes constitute a sizeable part of a station's programming in different sub-formats like
concerts, magazine and features. Music programmes cover a wide range including classical,
light classical, folk, orchestral and choral types.

1.9 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS :POSSIBLE ANSWERS

Check Your Progress: 1

1) While selecting the format of a programme the objectives of the theme, the composition
of the target audience and nature of the programme need to be kept in mind. It is also
important to consider whether it is completely studio based or includes OB recordings
and whether it requires collection and incorporation of documented material like
interviews, effects, music etc. The budget of the programme also needs to be considered
while deciding the format.

2) The basic elements of a radio programme are word, music, effect and silence. All these
convey messages, ideas or thoughts.

3) Talk, discussion, interview, drama, feature, documentary, magazine, commentary, talk

show, quiz, reports, and advertisement form part of spoken-word programmes. Though
news is also spoken-word, it is reckoned as a separate category.

16
 Check Your Progress: 2 Radia Farmats

1) Talk is a straight delivery of words by one speaker whereas a discussion generally

includes 2-3 participants and a moderator. A discussion presents analysis of an issue from
different angles and brings forth more than one opinion on agiven subject, while a talk is
one individual's presentation of views. The talk does not require any moderator who is
crucial for the success of discussion. Talks are generally of short duration; 5 to 10
minutes whereas discussions can be 15 to 30 minute duration.

I ) Documentaries present a factual, balanced and truthful account of actualities concerning

an event, a place or a person. However, features present the real source material
creatively and imaginatively and not merely sticking to the facts.

I ,Check Your Progress: 3

Radio news bulletins can only provide hard facts and not the finer details of an event

I
1) a)
as given in newspapers.

b) The news items of one's choice can be selected and retrieved while reading
newspaper, which is not possible with radio news.

2) a) A news bulletin is broadcast live whereas newsreels are always pre-recorded.

b) In a news bulletin, news items are dealt in crisp and concise manner, newsreel deals
a story in greater detail by including, interviews spot reports, eye witness accounts,
comments, reactions and extracts from speeches.