Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Judgment and Ethics - Gatekeeping in the TV Newsroom Lineup decisions

What This Is

Gatekeeping in the TV newsroom refers to the process of selecting and prioritizing stories, deciding which ones to air, and how to present them to the audience. This crucial decision-making process ensures that the most relevant, engaging, and informative content reaches viewers. A well-crafted VOSOT (Voice of the Subject, Over Sound, and Title) is a prime example of gatekeeping in action. For instance, during the 2019 BBC coverage of the London protests, a VOSOT featuring a protester speaking directly to camera, accompanied by natural sound of the crowd and a title card, effectively conveyed the mood and sentiment of the event.

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.
• B-roll: Additional footage that supports the story – use to add visual interest and context; shoot in a variety of formats (e.g., 4K, 1080p).
• Voice-over (VO): Narrator speaking over the visuals – use to provide context, explain complex concepts, or set the scene; record in a quiet space with minimal background noise.
• Soundbite: A concise, quotable quote from an interviewee – use to add depth and insight to the story; aim for 10-15 seconds.
• Cutaway: A secondary visual element that supports the main story – use to add variety and interest; shoot in a different location or with a different camera angle.
• Lower-third: A graphic overlay that displays text information – use to provide context, identify locations, or highlight key statistics; design in a clear, easy-to-read font.
• LIVE cross: A live shot from a remote location – use to add immediacy and excitement; ensure a stable internet connection and a clear line of sight to the camera.
• Package: A self-contained story with a clear structure and narrative – use to tell a comprehensive story; aim for 90-120 seconds.
• VOSOT: A package that features a voice-over, soundbites, and visuals – use to quickly deliver breaking news or complex information; aim for 30-60 seconds.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on one key point.
   • Use a clear, conversational tone.
   • Record in a quiet space with minimal background noise.
   • Edit in Adobe Audition or Audacity to ensure a smooth, even pace.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook or interesting fact.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Feature a soundbite or interview with an expert.
   • Summarize the key points and provide a call to action.
   • Use a clear, easy-to-read font for lower-thirds and titles.
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 reduce contrast.
   • Add a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Use a reflector to bounce light onto the subject's face.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Find a quiet space with minimal background noise.
   • Use a high-quality microphone (e.g., Rode NT-USB).
   • Record in a format that matches the video (e.g., 48 kHz, 24-bit).
   • Edit in Adobe Audition or Audacity to ensure a smooth, even pace.

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: This can sound stilted and unnatural, and may not be engaging for viewers.
• Forgetting to white balance: This can result in an unflattering color cast and make the footage look amateurish.
• Not checking the audio levels: This can result in a loud or distorted soundtrack that distracts from the story.
• Not using a tripod: This can result in shaky or unstable footage that makes the story look unprofessional.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a 30-second reader, recording a voice-over, and setting up a three-point lighting interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT (a package is a self-contained story, while a VOSOT is a specific type of package that features a voice-over and soundbites).
• Gain vs iris: Gain refers to the audio level, while iris refers to the camera aperture (the amount of light that enters the lens).
• Cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern: Cardioid microphones pick up sound from the front and sides, while shotgun microphones pick up sound from a narrow angle in front of the microphone.

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 B-roll footage of the protesters, the police, and the surrounding area. This will give you a variety of visuals to choose from and help you tell a more comprehensive story.
• Broadcast rationale: B-roll footage is essential for adding visual interest and context to a story. By shooting a variety of footage, you can create a more engaging and informative package that captures the mood and sentiment of the event.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms:
  • VOSOT
  • Package
  • B-roll
  • Voice-over
  • Soundbite
  • Cutaway
  • Lower-third
• Camera settings:
  • Aperture: f/2.8
  • Shutter speed: 1/50th of a second
  • ISO: 400
• Script formatting rules:
  • Use a clear, easy-to-read font (e.g., Arial, Helvetica)
  • Use a standard font size (e.g., 12-point)
  • Use bolding and italicizing to emphasize key points
• Common pitfalls:
  • Not checking the audio levels
  • Forgetting to white balance
  • Not using a tripod