Basics of Broadcast Journalism Broadcast Basics Fundamental rules

Basics of Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast Basics • Fundamental rules of accuracy, fairness, good use of detail, attributing sources, grammar and spelling still apply in this and all journalism • Broadcast differs from print because of: – Visuals: compelling images are expected – Timeliness: faster reporting of what happens – Simplicity: written simply for quick, easy understanding for brief periods of time

Broadcast Newsrooms • Radio and TV stations employ far fewer people than newspapers • Radio staffers include News Director, Anchor and Reporter • TV staffers include News Director, Producer, Assignment Editor, Anchor, Reporter, Photographer, Video Editor, Graphic Artist, Studio Prod. Staff, Librarian, Field Producer

Broadcast TV -- Visuals • TV is an emotional medium relying on images that inject drama into a story • A TV story must have compelling visuals • Visuals include video and graphics • TV Reporters must first learn to write visually • Find and video images that help tell the story • Know when to use a graphic • Get “sound bites” or on-camera quotes, from officials or other people who are part of the story

TV Story Basics • • • Select topic, research, gather equipment Get to story location, set up camera, introduce Record interviews, use 2 -3 best questions Shoot “B-roll” – background visuals Check quotes, get about 20 “B-roll” visuals, close-up, medium and long shots • Write script, be factual; choose best quotes

TV Story Basics: Post Production • Record or “Lay down” your voice track, based on your Script: – First part of Script – First Sound Bite – Bridge (between scenes) – Second Sound Bite – Second part of Script – Stand-up close

TV Story Post Production, cont. • Lay down or insert your “B-roll” into the story – Select good shots, 5 to 10 seconds each – Start with establishing start – Have shots meet your voiceovers from script When completed, transfer the story onto DVD or hard drive for broadcast