Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Judgment and Ethics - Impartiality and Balance in Broadcast Ofcom rules FCC fairness doctrine history

What This Is

Impartiality and balance in broadcast refer to the practice of presenting a fair and unbiased view of a story, avoiding sensationalism and emotional manipulation. This is crucial in a newsroom as it helps maintain the trust of the audience and ensures that the news is presented in a way that is respectful to all parties involved. A great example of impartiality in action is the BBC's coverage of the 2019 UK general election, where they provided in-depth analysis and balanced reporting on the different parties' policies and manifestos.

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.
• VO (Voice-Over): Narrator speaking over video footage – use to provide context or background information; keep it concise and engaging.
• SOT (Sound-On-Tape): Interviewee speaking on camera – use to add depth and insight to a story; make sure the audio is clear and well-lit.
• B-Roll: Additional footage that supports the main story – use to add visual interest and variety; keep it relevant and concise.
• Lower Third: On-screen text that provides additional information – use to identify interviewees or provide context; keep it clear and easy to read.
• L-Cut: A cut from one camera angle to another – use to create a smooth transition between shots; make sure the audio syncs up.
• J-Cut: A cut from one camera angle to another, with the audio from the next shot starting before the cut – use to create a seamless transition between shots; make sure the audio syncs up.
• Gain: The volume level of the audio – use to adjust the volume of the audio to ensure it's clear and well-balanced.
• Iris: The camera aperture – use to control the amount of light that enters the camera; make sure it's not too dark or too bright.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point of the story.
   • Use a clear and conversational tone.
   • Make sure it's well-researched and accurate.
   • Format it in a way that's easy to read on air (e.g., use a teleprompter or a script with clear headings).
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Start with a hook to grab the audience's attention.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Introduce the main point of the story.
   • Use Nat sound and B-Roll to add visual interest and variety.
   • End with a clear and concise summary.
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Use a key light to illuminate the subject's face.
   • Use a fill light to soften the shadows and add depth.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Make sure the lighting is well-balanced and not too harsh.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone to capture clear and crisp audio.
   • Record in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
   • Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and prevent distortion.
   • Edit the audio to remove any mistakes or unwanted sounds.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it to make it more engaging and conversational.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance the camera, resulting in an unflattering color cast.
• Mistake: Not checking the audio levels before going live, resulting in a poor sound quality.
• Mistake: Using a low-quality microphone, resulting in a poor sound quality.
• Mistake: Not providing enough context or background information, resulting in a confusing or unclear story.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a 30-second reader, structuring a 90-second package, setting up a three-point lighting interview, recording a clean voice-over.
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT, gain vs iris, cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, accuracy, and attention to detail.

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 to establish your location and provide context for the story.
• Broadcast rationale: A stand-up is a great way to add authority and a sense of place to a story, and it's essential to establish your location before going live.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Nat sound, B-Roll, Lower Third, L-Cut, J-Cut, Gain, Iris.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear and concise tone, format it in a way that's easy to read on air.
• Common pitfalls: Don't read a print article on air without rewriting it. Don't forget to white balance the camera. Don't check the audio levels before going live.