Broadcast Journalism 101: TV News Production TV News Story Forms Reader VO VOSOT Package Live shot

TV News Story Forms Study Guide

What This Is

TV news story forms are the building blocks of broadcast journalism, allowing newsrooms to efficiently deliver information to the public. A well-crafted story form can quickly convey complex information, engage the audience, and establish credibility. For example, a VOSOT (Voice of Reporter, Sound of Tape) combines video, voice, and a soundbite to deliver breaking news, as seen in CNN's coverage of the 2020 US Presidential Election.

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.
• VO (Voice-Over): Narrator speaking over video – ideal for explaining complex concepts or providing context; use in conjunction with B-roll footage.
• VOSOT (Voice of Reporter, Sound of Tape): Reporter speaking over video with a soundbite – quickly delivers breaking news; use for fast-paced, high-stakes stories.
• Package: Self-contained story with a narrative structure – includes a stand-up, VO, and B-roll footage; use for in-depth reporting.
• Live shot: Reporter speaking live from a location – ideal for breaking news or live events; use to provide real-time updates.
• B-roll (Background Roll): Additional footage used to enhance a story – can be used to illustrate a point or provide visual interest; use to break up a VO or stand-up.
• Script formatting: Standardized way of writing scripts – includes scene headings, character names, and action lines; use to ensure clear communication between crew members.
• Camera calls: Specific camera movements or angles – can be used to create visual interest or emphasize a point; use to enhance the storytelling.
• Gain vs iris: Gain refers to the audio level, while iris refers to the camera aperture – ensure proper settings to avoid distortion or overexposure.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader:
   • Keep it concise and focused on the main point.
   • Use a clear, conversational tone.
   • Include a hook to grab the audience's attention.
   • Use script formatting to ensure clear communication.
2. Structure a 90-second package:
   • Introduce the story with a hook and a clear narrative structure.
   • Use a stand-up to provide context and establish authority.
   • Include a VO to explain complex concepts or provide additional information.
   • Use B-roll footage to illustrate points and break up the VO.
   • 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.
   • Use a fill light to soften shadows and reduce contrast.
   • Use a backlight to create depth and separate the subject from the background.
4. Record a clean voice-over:
   • Use a high-quality microphone to capture clear audio.
   • Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise.
   • Use software like Audacity to edit and enhance the audio.
5. Create a VOSOT:
   • Record a stand-up with a clear and concise message.
   • Capture a soundbite from a relevant source.
   • Use video footage to illustrate the story and provide context.
   • Edit the package using software like Adobe Premiere.

Common Mistakes

• Reading a print article on air without rewriting: Ensure that your script is concise and tailored to the broadcast format.
• Forgetting to white balance: Ensure that your camera is properly set to capture accurate colors and avoid overexposure.
• Not checking audio levels: Ensure that your audio levels are properly set to avoid distortion or overexposure.
• Not using a tripod: Ensure that your camera is stable and secure to avoid shaky footage.
• Not checking for continuity: Ensure that your footage is properly labeled and organized to avoid continuity errors.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a script, conducting an interview, recording a stand-up, and editing a package.
• Tricky distinctions: Package vs VOSOT, gain vs iris, cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern.
• What assessors look for: Clarity, concision, and attention to detail in your script and footage.
• Common pitfalls: Distortion, overexposure, and continuity errors.

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 message, establishing your authority and providing context for the story. You also capture B-roll footage of the protest to illustrate the story and provide visual interest.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, VO, VOSOT, package, live shot, B-roll, script formatting, camera calls, gain, iris, cardioid, shotgun.
• Camera settings: White balance, exposure, focus, and audio levels.
• Script formatting rules: Scene headings, character names, and action lines.
• Common pitfalls: Distortion, overexposure, and continuity errors.
• On-air traps: ⚠️ Don't read a print article on air without rewriting. ⚠️ Don't forget to white balance. ⚠️ Don't check audio levels.