Broadcast Journalism 101: TV News Production - Live Reporting On-Camera skills Ad-libbing timing

What This Is

Live reporting is a fundamental skill in broadcast journalism, where a reporter delivers a live, on-camera report from a location, often with breaking news or a developing story. This technique combines video, voice, and sound to quickly deliver information to the audience. A great example of live reporting is the BBC's coverage of the 2011 London riots, where reporters provided live updates from the streets, using natural sound and eyewitness accounts to bring the story to life.

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 CROSS: Reporter speaking live from a remote location, often with a visual element; use for breaking news or developing stories.
• SOT (Sound On Tape): A pre-recorded interview or soundbite used in a package or VOSOT; use to add depth and context.
• VOSOT (Voice Over Sound On Tape): A package that combines video, voice, and a soundbite to quickly deliver breaking news; use for fast-paced news or developing stories.
• B-ROLL: Secondary footage used to illustrate a story or add visual interest; use to break up talking heads or add context.
• PKG (Package): A self-contained story that includes an intro, body, and outro; use for in-depth reporting or feature stories.
• ENG (Electronic News Gathering): A type of camera used for live reporting, often with a built-in microphone and remote control; use for live crosses or stand-ups.
• WIRE (Wireless): A type of microphone used for live reporting, often with a lavalier or clip-on design; use for live crosses or stand-ups.
• ISO (ISO Speed): A camera setting that controls the camera's sensitivity to light; use to adjust for low-light conditions.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point
   • Use a clear and conversational tone
   • Include a hook to grab the audience's attention
   • Use a script format with a clear heading, intro, body, and outro
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Start with a hook to grab the audience's attention
   • Provide context and background information
   • Include a soundbite or SOT to add depth and context
   • Use B-ROLL to illustrate the story and add visual interest
   • End with a summary and a call to action
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 onto the subject's face
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a quiet and distraction-free environment
   • Use a high-quality microphone, such as a shotgun or lavalier
   • Record in a lossless format, such as WAV or AIFF
   • Use noise reduction software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting
  • Solution: Rewrite the article in a clear and conversational tone
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance
  • Solution: Adjust the camera's white balance to match the lighting conditions
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier or clip-on microphone
  • Solution: Use a wireless microphone to capture high-quality audio
• Mistake: Not checking the audio levels
  • Solution: Monitor the audio levels and adjust as needed

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Live reporting, package writing, and ENG camera operation
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT, gain vs iris, and cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and a clear understanding of the story
• Tips for success: Practice, practice, practice; be prepared to think on your feet; and use clear and concise language

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 with a clear and concise script, using a ENG camera and a wireless microphone. You also record some B-ROLL to illustrate the story and add visual interest.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, live cross, SOT, VOSOT, B-ROLL, pkg, ENG, wireless, ISO, and gain.
• Camera settings: ISO, gain, and white balance.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear heading, intro, body, and outro; keep it concise and focused on the main point.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, and not using a lavalier or clip-on microphone.
• On-air traps: Don't use a print article on air without rewriting; don't forget to white balance; and don't use a low-quality microphone.