Writing an Audio Dispatch

The audio dispatch - where a correspondent reports and explains a story for up to a minute and 15 seconds - is one of the most basic elements of radio news programmes.

In this video, the BBC World Service's diplomatic correspondent, Jonathan Marcus, explains how he goes about writing a dispatch.

First, you need to decide what kind of dispatch you're going to write. Is it a short news report or a longer, analytical background piece describing the context of news events?

A news report must be punchy and factual - you'll need to convey the essence of the story clearly and concisely. The longer piece gives you more scope, but not at the expense of clarity. Weigh every word and don't waffle.

Then there's the question of how well you know the subject. You might be familiar with the story or it could be something you've never touched on before.

If it's something you haven't looked at for some time, you'll need to refresh your memory and bring yourself up to date. Research is important, however well you think you know a story.

You'll be working to a deadline - and short deadlines bring increased pressure.

And remember that every piece you write must comply with the BBC's values of accuracy and impartiality.

Your credibility, and that of BBC journalism, depends on you getting it right and being fair whenever you sit down to write.

You can learn more about writing dispatches from the BBC College of Journalism website. The site is free to licence fee payers within the United Kingdom but you will be charged to access most of the content if you are outside the UK.