Writing for TV News

Package structure, pieces-to-camera, OOV, VOSOT, reading to pictures, and the two-shot rule — a practical guide for UK TV journalists.

Last reviewed: 21 May 2026Next review due: 21 November 2026

What makes TV news writing different

TV news writing shares radio’s core discipline — write for the ear, not the eye — but adds a second layer of complexity: your words must coexist with, complement, and sometimes compete with moving pictures. The most common beginner mistake in TV is writing a script that describes what the viewer can already see. Good TV journalism adds information the pictures cannot convey, while allowing strong images to speak for themselves.

The standard UK TV news package runs between 1 minute 15 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on the outlet. A national news package for BBC News at Ten might run to 2 min 30 sec; a regional TV report might be 1 min 15 sec. Know your slot, write to time, and build your package accordingly.

The structure of a TV news package: presenter cue (studio) → reporter’s opening narration (usually over B-roll) → interview clip(s) → PTC (optional but recommended for breaking news) → more narration and clips → reporter sign-off.

Core TV news formats

Full package

A pre-recorded report combining reporter narration, interview clips, B-roll footage, and usually a PTC. The standard format for lead stories and significant news events. Typical duration: 1 min 15 sec – 2 min 30 sec.

PTC (piece-to-camera / stand-up)

The reporter on camera at the scene, speaking directly to the viewer. Used to establish location credibility, deliver key facts that lack footage, or bridge two sections of a package. Must be learned or cued tightly — reading off a phone while on camera is visible and looks amateurish.

OOV (off-camera voiceover)

Presenter in studio reads a script while footage plays on screen. No reporter package. Used for breaking news or short stories. The presenter must track the pictures in edit and time the script to the available footage.

VOSOT (voiceover to soundbite)

Presenter reads over footage, then the package cuts to an interview soundbite. The script must end with a natural pause at the exact point where the soundbite begins. The soundbite then runs out before returning to the presenter or a reporter.

Reporter live (live hit)

Reporter live from a location during the bulletin. Not scripted word-for-word but prepared with key facts, quotes, and structure. The reporter must be able to speak for the allocated time (often 45 sec – 1 min 30 sec) clearly and without crutch words.

Red flags in TV scripts

Describing what the viewer can see — use pictures as context, add facts the images cannot convey.
A PTC longer than 30 seconds in a short package — it dominates the report.
Using archive footage without a clear on-screen caption or script reference indicating it is archive.
Scripts that do not match the edit — always write the script after you have logged and selected your footage.
Interview clips longer than 30 seconds in a 90-second package — trim to the most quotable 15–20 seconds.
A sign-off that does not include the reporter’s name, outlet, and location: “Jane Smith, BBC News, Manchester.”
No B-roll to cover reporter narration — a talking-head package with no cutaways looks under-produced.

TV news script checklist

I have logged all my footage and selected clips before writing the script.
My script adds information the pictures cannot convey — it does not describe them.
I have noted in-words and out-words for every interview clip.
My PTC is 15–25 seconds and adds something that lacks footage.
I have enough B-roll to cover every section of my narration (two-shot principle).
Archive footage is labelled with on-screen text and flagged in my script.
My sign-off includes my name, outlet, and location.
The package runs to within 5 seconds of the allocated slot.
I have read the script aloud against the edited pictures — script and images match.
The presenter cue does not duplicate the opening of my package.

Draft your TV pitch

Use our pitch generator to frame a TV news story — including suggested package structure, contributors, and B-roll requirements — before you go out to shoot.

Open Pitch Generator

Common mistakes

Writing the script before logging the footage — you must know what pictures you have before writing to them.
Not shooting enough B-roll — always shoot more than you think you need.
A PTC recorded without headphones to monitor audio — wind noise or traffic can ruin an otherwise good take.
Not labelling archive clearly — using archive as if it were current is an Ofcom accuracy breach.
A package that is all clips with no reporter narration — narration provides structure and editorial coherence.
Forgetting the sign-off — it is the standard closing convention and gives the viewer a name to trust.
Mismatch between script and edit — always check the final edit matches your script before delivery.

Related guides

Writing for radio

Script structure, timing, and writing for the ear.

Voice and presentation skills

Camera presence, autocue, and managing nerves.

TV news editing basics

Avid, Premiere Pro, B-roll, and lower-thirds.

Working with camera operators

Shot requests, B-roll, framing, and location management.

Primary sources

Frequently asked questions

What is a PTC and how long should it be?

A PTC (piece-to-camera, also called a stand-up or standup) is a section of a TV news package in which the reporter appears on camera and speaks directly to the viewer, usually at the location of the story. A PTC serves several functions: it places the reporter credibly at the scene, covers gaps in footage, and can convey information that is difficult to illustrate with pictures. In news packages, a PTC typically runs 15–25 seconds — long enough to say something substantive but short enough not to dominate a 1 min 30 sec package.

What is the difference between OOV and VOSOT?

OOV (over-the-shoulder or off-camera voiceover) is footage played over the presenter’s voice in the studio — no reporter package, just pictures with a presenter script. It is used for breaking news or stories where footage exists but a full package has not been cut. VOSOT (voiceover to soundbite) is a variant where the presenter reads over footage, then the package transitions into a clip (soundbite) from an interviewee. The presenter must pause reading at the exact point where the soundbite begins.

What does "writing up to pictures" mean?

Writing up to pictures means scripting your words to match, complement, or enhance what the viewer can see — rather than describing what is on screen. If the picture shows a fire engine, do not say "a fire engine arrived at the scene"; the viewer can see that. Instead, use the picture as context while your script adds information the viewer cannot see: who was inside the building, how long the fire burned, what caused it. Scripts that merely describe the images are redundant and waste valuable broadcast time.

How do I script around archive footage?

When using archive footage, you must make it clear in the script (and ideally in a lower-third caption) that the pictures are archive, file, or library footage — not newly-shot material. Audience trust is built on the implicit assumption that footage is contemporaneous with the story unless signposted otherwise. BBC and Ofcom guidelines require that archive is clearly labelled. Typical script convention: "Pictures from [date/year]" or "Archive footage." Write script that works with the older pictures rather than implying they are current.

What is the two-shot rule in TV news writing?

The two-shot rule is the convention that a TV news package should have a minimum of two distinct image types for every major script point — at least two different shots that can be cut together to avoid an identical frame sitting on screen for more than a few seconds. It is a reminder to always shoot and write with variety in mind: wide shots, close-ups, mid shots, cutaways, and B-roll all serve the two-shot principle. A package cut with only interview shots and no B-roll will look under-produced and visually monotonous.

Primary sources

BBC Academy — Television Journalism Training— BBC
Ofcom Broadcasting Code Section 5 — Due Impartiality— Ofcom
ITN — Independent Television News— ITN
BJTC — TV Journalism Accreditation Standards— BJTC
Royal Television Society — Training and Industry Resources— RTS
NUJ — Broadcast Journalism Guidance— NUJ
BECTU — Broadcasting Entertainment Union— BECTU