Commentators should be articulate and original. Good commentators will have the same qualities as good writers. They should be keen observers, able to describe and read meaning into the small details of life. They should be well-informed and be able to express themselves clearly and plainly. Commentators must obey the rules of grammar and refrain from using obscenities.
The News Director will consider proposals for commentary, and have the authority to choose which ideas should be developed into commentaries. Where commentaries are directly related to news or public affairs, they should provide illumination or food for thought rather than ax-grinding for a particular cause or group. Commentators must be able to support all statements. Commentators work with the News Director to edit and refine commentaries for best effectiveness on the radio.
Commentaries and essays should be three to four minutes in length. Commentators are urged to time their scripts before hand to make sure they fit the time constraints. Please send the completed script to mscott@wbfo.org. If the commentary is accepted, the news director will schedule a recording session at our studios in Allen Hall on UB's South Campus. The reading of the commentary must meet WBFO's standards.
WBFO is the only radio station in Buffalo offering listener commentaries. They air Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 6:35 and 8:35 during WBFO's Morning Edition. We are truly appreciative of the response of so many listeners to this series and invite your participation as well.
