Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Foundations - Writing for the Ear vs. Writing for the Eye Conversational tone short sentences phonetic spelling

What This Is

Writing for the ear vs writing for the eye is a crucial concept in broadcast journalism. It's about crafting a story that sounds engaging and informative when heard, rather than just looking visually appealing on screen. Think of a VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Still or Video) on CNN, where a soundbite from a politician is paired with a graphic and a voiceover. This combination delivers breaking news quickly and effectively. In a newsroom, this skill is essential for creating engaging, informative, and concise broadcast packages.

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.
• Voiceover (VO): Narration recorded separately from the visuals – use for transitions, explanations, or to add context; Adobe Audition is a great tool for editing VO.
• SOT (Sound on Tape): A quote from a source, often used in a VOSOT or package; make sure to get permission to use the audio.
• B-roll: Additional footage that supports the story, often used to break up talking heads; use a mix of wide shots and close-ups.
• Script formatting: Use a standard script format, such as the "all caps" style, to make it easy to read and follow; Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere have built-in script formatting tools.
• Camera calls: Use clear and concise camera calls, such as "roll and hold" or "cut to B-roll," to communicate with your camera operator; practice your camera calls to ensure smooth transitions.
• Lighting: Use a three-point lighting setup, with a key light, fill light, and backlight, to create a visually appealing image; the BBC's lighting guidelines are a great resource.
• Gain: Adjust the audio levels to ensure a good signal-to-noise ratio; use a lavalier mic for interviews and a shotgun mic for stand-ups.
• White balance: Adjust the camera settings to match the lighting conditions; use a white balance card to ensure accurate colors.

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
   • Practice reading it out loud to ensure a smooth delivery
   • Use a teleprompter or a script to help you stay on track
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief overview
   • Provide context and background information
   • Use a VOSOT or SOT to add depth and insight
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Position the key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject's face
   • Use a fill light to soften the shadows and add depth
   • Position the backlight to create a rim of light around the subject's hair
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a quiet and distraction-free environment
   • Invest in a good quality microphone, such as a lavalier or a shotgun mic
   • Practice your delivery to ensure a smooth and natural tone
   • Edit the audio in Adobe Audition or Audacity to remove any mistakes or distractions

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: This can sound stilted and unnatural, and may not be engaging for the audience.
• Forgetting to white balance: This can result in inaccurate colors and a visually unappealing image.
• Not using a lavalier mic for interviews: This can pick up background noise and distractions, making the audio sound poor quality.
• Not practicing your camera calls: This can result in awkward transitions and a disjointed broadcast.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a script, recording a voice-over, and conducting an interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, and knowing when to use a lavalier mic versus a shotgun mic.
• What assessors look for: A clear and concise script, a smooth and natural delivery, and a visually appealing image.

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 wide shot of the protest, including the crowd and the signs, to establish the scene. Then, you move in closer to get a shot of a key speaker or a protester holding a sign. Finally, you get a shot of a police officer or a security guard to add context and depth to the story.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: VOSOT, SOT, B-roll, script formatting, camera calls, lighting, gain, white balance.
• Camera settings: Use a 1/50th of a second shutter speed for a smooth image, and a 1/125th of a second shutter speed for a sharp image.
• Script formatting rules: Use a standard script format, such as the "all caps" style, and include a slug line, a time code, and a script number.
• Common pitfalls: Don't forget to white balance, don't use a lavalier mic for stand-ups, and don't read a print article on air without rewriting.
• Real gear: Use a lavalier mic, such as the Sennheiser G4, and a shotgun mic, such as the Rode NTG4.
• Real software: Use Adobe Audition and Adobe Premiere to edit your audio and video.
• Real broadcast examples: Watch the BBC's and CNN's coverage of breaking news events to see how they use VOSOTs and packages to deliver the story.