Tag

Definition

In radio news, a tag is a short concluding statement that follows a news report, providing essential information about the story or summarizing key points. Tags help clarify the report for listeners and offer context, often including the reporter's name or a call to action, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tags are typically concise, usually just one or two sentences long, and are meant to reinforce the main points of the news story.
2. They often include information such as the location of the story, the date, or a personal quote from someone involved.
3. Tags are critical in radio because they help listeners recall essential details without visual aids.
4. Including a reporter's name in the tag can give credibility to the story and create a personal connection with the audience.
5. A well-crafted tag can motivate listeners to seek more information or follow up on the news presented.

Review Questions

• How do tags contribute to effective communication in radio news?
  • Tags play a significant role in enhancing effective communication by summarizing key points and reinforcing the main message of the news report. They provide essential details that may have been missed during the main report and ensure that listeners leave with a clear understanding of the story's importance. By wrapping up the narrative, tags also create a sense of closure and coherence for the audience.
• Discuss how a well-written tag can impact listener engagement and retention in radio news broadcasts.
  • A well-written tag can significantly enhance listener engagement by reinforcing important details and making them memorable. When tags succinctly encapsulate key elements of a story, they help listeners recall what they heard, increasing retention. Moreover, including calls to action or relevant quotes can pique listeners' interest further, prompting them to seek additional information or reflect on the story's implications.
• Evaluate how incorporating tags affects the overall quality and professionalism of radio news reporting.
  • Incorporating tags into radio news reports greatly enhances their quality and professionalism by ensuring that stories are concise, informative, and engaging. Tags serve as a tool for clarity, helping audiences grasp complex information quickly. This practice reflects well on reporters and news organizations, as it demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to delivering comprehensive coverage that respects listeners' time and understanding.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that grabs attention and summarizes the most important aspects of the report.

Soundbite: A short audio clip from an interview or speech that captures a key moment or sentiment, often used in news stories to provide authenticity and perspective.

Script: The written text of a news report, which includes both the narrative and directions for audio elements such as sound effects and music.