WVTF Essay/Commentary Guidelines
Well-written stories that translate easily to radio (written for the ear versus the eye). The tone should be conversational as if talking to a friend, neighbor, or relative.
The length should be not longer than 3 minutes (600-700 words) when read aloud.
Only essays containing local content will be considered. The essay content should readily and easily relate to the author and his/her local experiences as well as relating to the geographical area served by WVTF.
Writer should use as much local color as possible including local names, locations, folklore, history, scenery and other local descriptions.
Essays should be timely. Essays for Christmas stories should be submitted in time for airing before or around Christmas, etc.
Essays are voiced by the writer. It is not expected that the writer will possess broadcast announcing skills, but the writer should possess enough reading skills to be coached into speaking in a conversational and even, pleasing tone.
The essay should not a commentary or editorial (both espouse viewpoints). The essay should tell a story that would be of interest to a general versus a narrow specific audience.
The essays should be of a nature appropriate for a morning audience on WVTF. Obscene, sexist, racist, inciting, or salacious language should never appear on a WVTF essay.
Authors should submit radio essays in writing first. Those writers whose submissions have been selected for possible airing will brought into our studios for coaching and recording. Audio submissions will not be accepted and unsolicited tapes will not be returned.
WVTF reserves the sole right to decide which essays and commentaries should be aired or posted on line as well as the broadcast schedule or length of time that material appears on line. The editorial and scheduling decisions by WVTF are final.
Essays and commentaries should be submitted only via e-mail to news producer Beverly Amsler at bamsler@vt.edu. Please only one submission at a time.
Questions and comments regarding our commentary and essay guidelines should be addressed to WVTF news director Rick Mattioni at mattioni@vt.edu or by calling 540-989-8900.
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