Broadcast Journalism 101: Digital Broadcast and Future Trends - Second-Screen and Social TV Live-Tweeting audience interaction

What This Is

Second-screen and social TV refer to the integration of live-tweeting, audience interaction, and social media engagement into a broadcast news package. This concept is essential for a newsroom as it allows for real-time feedback, increased audience engagement, and a more dynamic storytelling experience. For example, during the 2019 BBC coverage of the UK general election, the network's social media team live-tweeted updates and analysis, creating a second-screen experience for viewers who followed along on Twitter.

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.
• Live-tweeting: Real-time updates and commentary on social media platforms; use to engage with the audience and provide additional context.
• Social media integration: Incorporating social media content, such as tweets or Instagram posts, into a broadcast package; use to add variety and depth to a story.
• Crowdsourcing: Gathering information and content from the audience; use to add a unique perspective or to verify information.
• Live streaming: Broadcasting live video content on social media platforms; use to provide real-time coverage of events.
• Social media monitoring: Tracking and analyzing social media conversations related to a story; use to gauge audience interest and identify trends.
• Hashtag tracking: Monitoring and analyzing social media conversations related to a specific hashtag; use to track audience engagement and identify key themes.
• Twitter handle: A unique identifier for a person or organization on Twitter; use to promote your brand and engage with the audience.
• Facebook Live: A live streaming feature on Facebook; use to provide real-time coverage of events and engage with the audience.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main points.
   • Use a clear and conversational tone.
   • Practice reading it out loud to ensure a smooth delivery.
   • Use a script formatting software like Adobe Premiere to create a clean and easy-to-read script.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook or a question.
   • Provide background information and context.
   • Use a stand-up or a VOSOT to add visual interest and authority.
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action.
   • Use a production software like Audacity to edit and mix the audio.
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 lighting software like Adobe Premiere to adjust the lighting levels and create a balanced look.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone to capture a clear and crisp audio.
   • Record in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
   • Use a voice-over software like Audacity to edit and mix the audio.
   • Practice reading the script out loud to ensure a smooth delivery.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it to fit the broadcast format.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance the camera to ensure accurate color representation.
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier microphone to capture clear and crisp audio.
• Mistake: Not practicing the script before going on air to ensure a smooth delivery.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Skill tests: Assessors may ask you to write a script, record a voice-over, or conduct an interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Be able to distinguish between a package and a VOSOT, gain and iris, and cardioid and shotgun mic patterns.
• What assessors look for: A clear and concise script, a smooth and professional delivery, and a well-structured and engaging package.

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 quick and easy way to add visual interest and authority to a story. It also allows you to establish your location and provide context for the story, which is essential for a live cross.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, live-tweeting, social media integration, crowdsourcing, live streaming, social media monitoring, hashtag tracking, Twitter handle, Facebook Live.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus, and framing.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear and concise tone, keep it concise and focused on the main points, and practice reading it out loud to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting it, forgetting to white balance the camera, not using a lavalier microphone, and not practicing the script before going on air.