Audio reports provide information about an issue, event, or individual. When they are used to help their audience understand a problem and its solution, they generally offer a clear definition of the problem, provide background information that will frame the problem in a particular way, present the solution, and explain why it was or wasn’t successful.

Reports can appear in a variety of forms, from written documents that resemble essays or articles to videos shown on television or the Web to audio presented through radio or as podcasts. Reports are usually written or presented in a straightforward, seemingly objective voice. Sources of information used in reports are usually identified in a manner consistent with the form in which it appears. A written report is likely to include in-text citation and a formal works cited lists, while a video or audio report is more likely to identify sources in a more conversational manner.