Broadcast Journalism 101: TV News Production - Sound for Broadcast Lav mic shotgun mic ambient sound

What This Is

Sound for broadcast is the audio component of a news package, which includes the reporter's voice, sound effects, and ambient noise. It's essential for a newsroom as it helps to engage the audience, set the scene, and convey the story's tone. A well-crafted sound package can elevate a VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Still Pictures) from a simple graphic with a voiceover to a dynamic, immersive experience that quickly delivers breaking news. For example, during the 2011 London riots, the BBC used a combination of video, voice, and sound to create a VOSOT that captured the chaos and destruction, giving viewers a sense of the scale and intensity of the events.

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.
• Lav mic (Lavalier microphone): Small, clip-on mic for interviews – reduces wind noise and captures clear audio; use for interviews, especially in noisy environments.
• Shotgun mic: Long, directional mic for capturing high-quality audio – ideal for interviews, especially in quiet environments; use to isolate the subject's voice.
• Gain: Audio level adjustment – ensure the audio is not too loud or too quiet; use to adjust the audio levels during recording.
• Iris: Camera aperture adjustment – control the amount of light entering the lens; use to adjust the lighting during recording.
• Cardioid vs Shotgun mic pattern: Cardioid mics pick up sound from the front and sides, while shotgun mics are more directional; use cardioid mics for group interviews and shotgun mics for one-on-one interviews.
• Room tone: Background noise recorded in a quiet room – use to create a consistent audio level; record room tone before and after each interview.
• Audio sync: Synchronizing audio and video – ensure the audio and video are in sync; use to match the audio and video during editing.
• Foley: Sound effects added in post-production – enhance the audio and create a more immersive experience; use to add sound effects, such as footsteps or car engines.

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 formatting style, such as the AP style guide.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a brief overview.
   • Provide context and background information.
   • Include a soundbite or interview with an expert.
   • Conclude 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.
   • Add a fill light to reduce shadows and create a more even lighting.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone, such as a shotgun mic.
   • Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise.
   • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
   • Use a script and a teleprompter to ensure accuracy.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – this can sound robotic and unnatural.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – this can result in an unflattering color tone.
• Mistake: Not checking the audio levels – this can result in an audio that is too loud or too quiet.
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier mic for interviews – this can result in poor audio quality.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a 30-second reader, recording a clean voice-over, and setting up a three-point lighting interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, knowing when to use a cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern, and recognizing the importance of audio sync.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and a clear understanding of the story's tone and purpose.

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 view of the protest, including the signs and the crowd. This will give the audience a sense of the scale and intensity of the event.
• Broadcast rationale: A stand-up is an essential element of a live cross, as it allows the reporter to speak directly to the camera and provide context and background information. By shooting a stand-up with a clear view of the protest, you can create a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, lav mic, shotgun mic, gain, iris, cardioid, shotgun mic pattern, room tone, audio sync, foley.
• Camera settings: Aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, ISO, white balance.
• Script formatting rules: AP style guide, script formatting style, clear and concise language.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, not checking the audio levels, not using a lavalier mic for interviews.
• On-air traps: Using a low-quality microphone, not checking the audio levels, not using a lavalier mic for interviews.
• Software: Adobe Premiere, Audacity, Final Cut Pro.
• Real gear: Shotgun mic, lavalier mic, camera, lighting kit.