Is Script Writing Essential in Broadcasting?

Script writing is an essential function needed for effective communication on radio and television. In fact, script writing could be likened to the function of a major artery in the human body which conveys blood from the heart to all parts of the human body. This means that without a written script we cannot convey effectively all our thoughts and ideas for the information, education and entertainment of our listener and viewer. Scripting is done in all aspects of broadcasting especially in programme division.

Script writing still play important role in the news, engineering and commercial division. Moreover, scripting writing in all broadcasting division has different styles. In the programmes division, the type of script writing includes programme promotions (Promos), continuity announcer’s script, programme presentation and production. In this era of 24 hours broadcasting on radio and television, script writing has added enormous task to putting down all that is to be said all through out the day. Script writing in the news division has its own procedure and style. Script writing follows a simple procedure of gathering of news stories, subbing of materials gathered, final editing and production. In all these stages of script writing, the writer is expected to employ great skill which is acquired over the years.

Scripting in the commercial division comes in the forms of spot announcements like social diaries, obituaries, clients’ orders and so on. These are specialized scripts which are written to inform, educate or persuade the audience in order to react favorably to the message being announced or advertised. In the engineering division, various kinds of loggings made by the engineering operator (on radio) and the operational crew on television are also forms of script writing. These loggings take a definite format which must be followed.

Some broadcasters may argue that writing or using a script is optional; that the presenter or the producer who has been long on the job need not write or use a script. The fact still remains that it is not even possible for an experienced broadcaster to adlib in most cases. Adlibbing does not augur well for coherent reasoning and organized talking. That is why it is necessary to write all that is to be said on air, at least, for easy reference later, if need be. While looking at the script and talking the written script (on radio), it is a lot easy to communicate effectively. On television, the presenter ensures that the script which is used follows actions on the screen. The will enable the viewer to follow and understand the sequence of the programme and be part of the programme from the beginning to the end.

Other broadcasters may still argue that they work better with a written outlined instead of a full-script. An outline is simply skeletal. It does not contain all the meat (flesh) to clothe the skeleton (framework), and one needs to be extra talented to do a live presentation from a mere outline. An example of a programme script written in an outline form is the daily programme schedule. The continuity announcer develops his or her script from the outline as specified in the programme schedule. It may not be so easy for the continuity announcer to “wrap” the entire programme neatly by grappling with the different items indicated in the schedule. In fact, the first thing the continuity announcer does is to study the programme schedule and develops his or her script to unfold programmes which come one after the other. This is the ideal thing to do. In all cases, working with a detailed script is better. In the first place, the presenter is sure of all that was said and can vouch for the programme at the end of it, and at all times.

Segun Oduko (1986) insists that every production, no matter how short, require planning; it needs a script. According to him different production formats call for different styles of scripting. He adds that newscasts, commercials, skits and dramatic shows are fully scripted while some other formats like news inserts, interviews, discussions, educational programmes and documentaries are partially scripted. But in some cases, some documentaries are fully scripted.

Again, one may also ask, why should a producer or presenter write a script? A well-written script will enable the producer or presenter set a limit or target for the segment of the presentation or production being handled. Because the presenter or producer has set a limit or target the listener or viewer knows the extent that will be handled in the day’s programme. With this, the script writer or presenter has a clear guide with which he/she can carry along the listener or viewer as long as the programme lasts.

Moreover, with a good script the presenter or producer follows a definite sequence of thought and he or she is able to develop and exercise full control over the programme for the duration which the edition of the programme will last. Obviously, a good script enhances clarity of ideas being propelled in the programme and as such, avoids ambiguity. Once a script writer or presenter considers all the above, he or she will be in a position to communicate effectively with the listener or viewer who is the ultimate target of the programme.