Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Judgment and Ethics - Graphic Content and Viewer Warnings

What This Is

Graphic content and viewer warnings are essential elements in broadcast journalism that alert audiences to potentially disturbing or sensitive material. This includes violence, gore, mature themes, or other content that may be upsetting to viewers. A well-crafted graphic content warning can help protect audiences and maintain a news organization's reputation for responsible storytelling. For example, during the 2011 London riots, BBC News used a graphic content warning to alert viewers to disturbing footage of looting and violence.

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?card (Lower Third): On-screen text that displays a person's name, title, or other information – use to identify sources or provide context.
• B?roll (Background Roll): Additional footage that supports the main story – use to add visual interest or provide context.
• Voice-over (VO): Pre-recorded audio that's played over video – use to provide narration or add depth to a story.
• SOT (Sound on Tape): Pre-recorded audio that's played over video – use to provide quotes or reactions from sources.
• VOSOT (Voice-Over, Stand-up, Sound on Tape): A combination of VO, stand-up, and SOT – use to quickly deliver breaking news or complex stories.
• Cardioid Mic Pattern: A microphone pickup pattern that focuses on the source in front of it – use for interviews or stand-ups.
• Gain: The volume level of an audio signal – use to adjust levels and prevent distortion.
• Iris: The camera aperture that controls the amount of light entering the lens – use to adjust exposure and create a desired look.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point.
   • Use a clear, conversational tone.
   • Include a hook to grab the audience's attention.
   • Use a script formatting style like AP or Reuters.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief setup.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Include a SOT or interview to add depth and quotes.
   • 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 shadows and reduce contrast.
   • Use a backlight to create depth and separation.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space.
   • Record in a lossless format like WAV or AIFF.
   • Edit in a digital audio workstation like Audacity or Adobe Audition.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – this can sound stilted and unnatural.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – this can result in unwanted color casts and poor image quality.
• Mistake: Not checking audio levels – this can lead to distortion and poor sound quality.
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier microphone – this can result in poor audio quality and a lack of intimacy.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Tip: Pay attention to the distinction between a package and a VOSOT – a package is a self-contained story, while a VOSOT is a combination of VO, stand-up, and SOT.
• Tip: Be aware of the difference between gain and iris – gain controls the volume level, while iris controls the camera aperture.
• Tip: Understand the cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern – cardioid mics are more directional and better suited for interviews, while shotgun mics are more sensitive and better suited for capturing distant audio.
• Tip: Pay attention to the script formatting style – AP and Reuters are common styles used in broadcast journalism.

Quick Practice Scenario

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

Answer: You should shoot a stand-up to establish your location and provide context. This will help you transition into the live cross and provide a sense of place for the audience.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Graphic content, viewer warnings, stand-up, nat sound, L-card, B-roll, VO, SOT, VOSOT, cardioid mic pattern, gain, iris.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus, aperture.
• Script formatting rules: AP and Reuters styles, concise and focused writing, clear and conversational tone.
• Common pitfalls: Reading print articles on air, forgetting to white balance, not checking audio levels, not using a lavalier microphone.
• On-air traps: Distortion, poor sound quality, unwanted color casts, poor image quality.