Broadcast Journalism 101: Radio and Podcast Journalism - The Art of the Audio Feature Ambient sound storytelling

What This Is

The Art of the Audio Feature is a crucial element in broadcast journalism that combines storytelling with ambient sound to engage and inform audiences. A well-crafted audio feature can transport viewers to the scene, convey emotions, and convey complex information in a concise and compelling manner. For example, a VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Still) package on CNN's Breaking News segment might combine a reporter's voiceover with a soundbite from a key figure, accompanied by ambient sound from the scene, to quickly deliver breaking news.

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.
• Voiceover (VO): Pre-recorded audio narration – use for complex explanations, interviews, or to add context; edit carefully to match visuals.
• Soundbite: Brief, relevant quote from a source – use to add depth and context; always verify quotes before air.
• Room tone: Background noise recorded in a quiet space – use to fill gaps in audio or create a sense of atmosphere; record regularly.
• Gain: Audio level adjustment – use to balance levels between different audio sources; avoid over-gaining or under-gaining.
• Iris: Camera aperture adjustment – use to control lighting and depth of field; avoid over- or under-exposing.
• Cardioid vs Shotgun mic pattern: Microphone pickup patterns – use cardioid for interviews and shotgun for capturing ambient sound; experiment with different patterns.
• Lavalier vs Shotgun mic: Microphone types – use lavalier for interviews and shotgun for capturing ambient sound; choose the right mic for the job.
• Adobe Premiere: Video editing software – use to assemble and edit video and audio elements; master the basics of editing and color correction.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point.
   • Use simple language and avoid jargon.
   • Practice reading it aloud to ensure a natural flow.
   • Record it in a quiet space with minimal background noise.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a clear thesis statement.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Offer expert analysis or quotes from sources.
   • Conclude with a summary and a call to action.
   • Use a mix of VO, stand-ups, and nat sound to keep the pace engaging.
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 balance the lighting.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Experiment with different lighting setups to find the right balance.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space.
   • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
   • Avoid background noise and distractions.
   • Edit the audio to remove any mistakes or unwanted sounds.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – always rewrite for broadcast.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – always adjust the white balance to match the lighting conditions.
• Mistake: Not checking audio levels – always check audio levels before air to avoid distortion or low volume.
• Mistake: Not verifying quotes – always verify quotes before air to avoid inaccuracies.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Skill tests: Be prepared to write and record a 30-second reader, assemble a 90-second package, and conduct a three-point lighting interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Understand the difference between a package and a VOSOT, gain and iris, and cardioid and shotgun mic patterns.
• Assessor's look: Pay attention to audio and video quality, pacing, and storytelling.

Quick Practice Scenario

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

• Answer: Shoot a stand-up with a clear view of the protest and the reporter's face. Use a lavalier mic to capture clear audio.
• Rationale: A stand-up provides a clear visual and audio connection to the story, and a lavalier mic ensures good audio quality.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Nat sound, VO, soundbite, room tone, gain, iris, cardioid, shotgun, lavalier, and shotgun mic.
• Camera settings: Aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, and ISO.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear and concise script, with a clear structure and pacing.
• Common pitfalls: Avoid over-gaining or under-gaining, and always verify quotes before air.
• On-air traps: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might confuse viewers.
• Adobe Premiere shortcuts: Use the "undo" button frequently, and master the basics of editing and color correction.
• Audio editing tips: Use the "gain" tool to balance levels, and the "noise reduction" tool to remove background noise.
• Lighting tips: Use a three-point lighting setup, and experiment with different lighting setups to find the right balance.