A short news item broadcast over the radio or television (or a brief announcement that is read out in the middle of another programme when something particularly important happens). It usually includes headlines and a summary of the main stories.

A good news bulletin will include a range of different topics, including international, local, community and domestic stories. It should also include some opinions, debate and comment. A good mix of these types of stories can ensure that your audience will return for your next bulletin.

The most important stories should be the first in the bulletin, although it is sometimes necessary to have a lead story that is particularly dramatic or controversial. It is important to balance this against the need to give equal time to all stories.

Each story should have a title, giving listeners an idea of the nature and content of the story. The title should be written in big letters, clearly enough for listeners to read in the studio.

It is useful to have a set of closing headlines, reminding listeners of major stories they may have heard in the bulletin. These headlines should be short, powerful and a little bit different from the opening headlines.

You should have a short music theme, either to introduce the bulletin or to be used as a link between different stories. It should be no longer than about 20 seconds long and should not sound like the opening theme.