Broadcast Journalism 101: Digital Broadcast and Future Trends - Mobile Journalism MoJo for Broadcast Phone filming apps

What This Is

Mobile Journalism (MoJo) is the practice of creating broadcast content using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This technique is essential for newsrooms as it allows reporters to quickly and efficiently gather and produce news from the field, often in real-time. A great example of MoJo in action is the BBC's coverage of the 2011 London riots, where reporters used their mobile phones to shoot and upload video to the internet, providing breaking news as it happened.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: A reporter speaking directly to camera on location, adding authority and a sense of place. When to use it: Use to transition or prove you're there, especially in a breaking news situation.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location, bringing a story to life. When to use it: Never leave home without recording room tone, and always use it to enhance your visuals.
• LIVE shot: A live broadcast from a remote location, often used for breaking news or special events. When to use it: Use when you need to provide immediate coverage, but be sure to have a reliable internet connection and a clear visual.
• Package: A self-contained broadcast piece, including video, voiceover, and soundbites. When to use it: Use for in-depth reporting, where you have time to gather and edit footage.
• VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Sound of Tape): A package where the subject's voice is heard over the background audio. When to use it: Use when you want to emphasize the subject's words and provide context.
• B-Roll: Secondary footage used to illustrate a story, often shot on location. When to use it: Use to add visual interest and break up talking heads.
• SOT (Sound on Tape): A soundbite from a subject, often used to add depth to a story. When to use it: Use when you want to provide context and add variety to your visuals.
• Script formatting: A standardized way of writing scripts for broadcast, including time codes and camera calls. When to use it: Use to ensure your script is clear and concise, and to help your crew stay on track.
• Camera calls: Instructions for the camera operator, including shots and angles. When to use it: Use to ensure your visuals are clear and engaging, and to help your crew stay on track.
• Audio levels: The volume of audio in a broadcast, often adjusted during editing. When to use it: Use to ensure your audio is clear and balanced, and to avoid distortion.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on one key point
   • Use simple language and a clear structure
   • Include a hook to grab the viewer's attention
   • Use a script formatting template to ensure clarity and concision
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story and provide context
   • Provide a clear and concise summary of the key points
   • Use B-Roll and SOTs to add visual interest and depth
   • Conclude with a clear call to action or 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
   • Use a reflector to bounce light and add depth
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space
   • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
   • Use a script formatting template to ensure clarity and concision
   • Edit the audio to remove any mistakes or distractions

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it for broadcast. Solution: Rewrite the script to make it clear and concise, and to ensure it's tailored for broadcast.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance your camera. Solution: Use the white balance feature on your camera to ensure accurate color representation.
• Mistake: Not checking your audio levels during recording. Solution: Use a sound level meter to ensure your audio is clear and balanced.
• Mistake: Not using a tripod or stabilizer for shaky footage. Solution: Use a tripod or stabilizer to ensure smooth and stable footage.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a script, recording a voice-over, and editing footage for a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT, gain vs iris, cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and accuracy in your reporting, as well as your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

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, and then you start gathering B-Roll and SOTs to add visual interest and depth to your package.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: MoJo, stand-up, nat sound, live shot, package, VOSOT, B-Roll, SOT, script formatting, camera calls, audio levels.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus, and stabilization.
• Script formatting rules: Use a standardized template, include time codes and camera calls, and keep it concise and clear.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it, forgetting to white balance your camera, not checking your audio levels during recording, and not using a tripod or stabilizer for shaky footage.
• On-air traps: Don't use a print article on air without rewriting it, don't forget to white balance your camera, don't neglect to check your audio levels during recording, and don't use shaky footage.