Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Foundations - Newsroom Hierarchy, Editor, Producer, Reporter, Camera, Sound

What This Is

A newsroom hierarchy is the organizational structure of a broadcast news team, consisting of editors, producers, reporters, camera operators, and sound technicians. This hierarchy is essential for a newsroom as it ensures that each team member knows their role and responsibilities, allowing for efficient and effective storytelling. For example, a VOSOT (Voice-Over Storytelling On Tape) combines video, voice, and a soundbite to quickly deliver breaking news. The BBC's coverage of the 2011 London riots is a great example of a VOSOT, where reporters provided live updates while editors seamlessly integrated pre-recorded footage and soundbites to create a comprehensive news package.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: Reporter speaking directly to camera on location – adds authority and a sense of place; use to transition or prove you’re there.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location – brings a story to life; never leave home without recording room tone.
• L-cut: A video editing technique where the audio continues from the previous clip while the video transitions to the new clip; use to create a seamless transition.
• B-roll: Additional footage shot to support the main story; use to add visual interest and context.
• SOT (Sound-On-Tape): A soundbite recorded on location – adds depth and credibility to a story; use to support a stand-up or VOSOT.
• Voice-over (VO): A narrator speaking over pre-recorded footage – provides context and explanation; use to introduce a story or provide background information.
• Script format: A standardized format for writing scripts, including scene headings, character names, and action lines; use to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Camera calls: Specific instructions for camera operators, such as "zoom in" or "pan left"; use to control the visual elements of a shot.
• Gain: The audio level of a shot – adjust to optimize sound quality; use to ensure a clear and balanced audio mix.
• Iris: The aperture of a camera lens – adjust to control the amount of light entering the lens; use to create a desired visual effect.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on one key point
   • Use a clear and conversational tone
   • Include a hook to grab the viewer's attention
   • Use a script format with scene headings and action lines
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief overview
   • Provide context and background information
   • Include a stand-up or SOT to add depth and credibility
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Use a key light to illuminate the subject's face
   • Add a fill light to soften the shadows
   • Use a backlight to create depth and dimension
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space
   • Adjust the gain and levels to optimize sound quality
   • Record in a lossless format, such as WAV or AIFF

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: This can result in a dry and unengaging delivery.
• Forgetting to white balance: This can cause unwanted color casts and affect the overall visual quality of a shot.
• Not checking audio levels: This can result in a poor audio mix and affect the overall quality of a broadcast.
• Not using a lavalier microphone: This can result in a poor audio quality and affect the overall quality of a broadcast.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a script, conducting an interview, and editing a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, and knowing when to use a lavalier microphone versus a shotgun mic.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and a clear understanding of the story and its context.

Quick Practice Scenario

You arrive at a protest and only have 20 minutes before the live cross. What do you shoot first?

Answer: You shoot a stand-up with a clear view of the protest and a strong audio signal. This will allow you to provide a clear and concise report to the anchor, and will also give you a chance to get a good soundbite from a protester or a witness.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: VOSOT, SOT, B-roll, l-cut, and gain.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, and focus.
• Script formatting rules: Scene headings, character names, and action lines.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, and not checking audio levels.
• On-air traps: Using a low-quality microphone, forgetting to check audio levels, and not using a lavalier microphone.