Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast News Judgment and Ethics - News Values for Broadcast Immediacy visual impact emotion conflict

What This Is

News values for broadcast are the guiding principles that help journalists create engaging, informative, and timely content for television, radio, and online audiences. These values – immediacy, visual impact, emotion, and conflict – are essential for a newsroom as they enable reporters to quickly deliver breaking news, capture the audience's attention, and convey the emotional resonance of a story. A classic example of combining these values is the Voice of the Story On Tape (VOSOT) package, where a reporter speaks directly to the camera, accompanied by video footage, natural sound, and a soundbite from a key source, all designed to quickly deliver the news and keep the audience engaged.

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 illustrate a point or add visual interest; keep it concise and relevant.
• Soundbite: A short, quotable phrase from a key source – use to add depth and context to the story; aim for 10-15 seconds max.
• Voice-over (VO): A narrator speaking over footage – use to provide context, explain complex concepts, or add emotional resonance; keep it concise and engaging.
• Lower-third (L3): On-screen text that provides additional information – use to identify locations, people, or organizations; keep it clear and concise.
• Cutaway: A secondary shot that adds visual interest – use to break up a long interview or provide a different perspective; keep it relevant and concise.
• Interview style: The way you conduct an interview – use a conversational style for relaxed, informal interviews, and a more formal style for serious or investigative interviews.
• Lighting: The use of light to create a visually appealing image – use natural light whenever possible, and adjust artificial light to create a flattering, well-lit image.
• Microphone technique: The way you use a microphone to capture high-quality audio – use a lavalier or shotgun mic for interviews, and a boom mic for voice-overs.

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 (e.g., 12-point font, double-spaced)
   • Practice reading it aloud to ensure a smooth delivery
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief setup
   • Provide context and background information
   • Include a key quote or soundbite
   • Use B-roll and cutaways to add visual interest
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview:
   • Use a key light to create a flattering, well-lit image
   • Add a fill light to soften the shadows and reduce contrast
   • Use a backlight to create depth and dimension
   • Adjust the lighting to create a visually appealing image
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone (e.g., a boom mic or a lavalier)
   • Record in a quiet, distraction-free environment
   • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
   • Use a script formatting style (e.g., 12-point font, double-spaced)
   • Edit the audio 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 an unflattering, unnatural image.
• Not using a lavalier or shotgun mic for interviews: This can result in poor audio quality and a distracting background noise.
• Not practicing your delivery: This can result in a nervous, awkward performance on air.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a 30-second reader, conducting an interview, recording a voice-over, and editing a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, knowing when to use a lavalier or shotgun mic, and recognizing the limitations of a cardioid vs. shotgun mic pattern.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and engagement in your writing and delivery, as well as attention to detail and technical proficiency in your production.

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, introducing yourself and the location, and providing a brief setup for the story. This will give you a chance to establish your authority and provide context for the audience.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: VOSOT, B-roll, soundbite, voice-over, lower-third, cutaway, interview style, lighting, microphone technique.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus, and framing.
• Script formatting rules: 12-point font, double-spaced, clear headings and subheadings.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, not using a lavalier or shotgun mic for interviews, not practicing your delivery.
• On-air traps: Using a low-quality microphone, forgetting to check your audio levels, not having a backup plan for unexpected events.