MJ - Broadcast Journalism Lesson

Broadcast journalism is the field of news that uses more modern methods of reporting the news. Radio was the first medium for broadcast journalism. Most radio news runs for just four minutes, but it can often contain up to a dozen stories. Later television would replace the radio as the main news source. What makes this type of journalism different is the fact that the structure for this medium is focused on the news being broadcasted several times daily.

It is important to grab the audience's attention at the beginning of your broadcast. This is why video journalists often use strong video images. Sound is also an important factor. You may only have a few seconds to grab the attention of your audience. This means that the soundbites you include need to convey emotion or enrich the story. Each sentence and image is crafted with a specific purpose in mind.

Here are some tips to consider when watching the news:

1. Focus on the lead story. For example, ask why is this particular story the lead?
2. Watch the anchor. Anchors often set the tone for the newscast. Tone can be expressed through words, but also through facial expressions that signal their attitude or feelings towards the story. For example, the anchor may have a smile on his face as he hears about the warm weather approaching after a long winter but a more serious facial expression as he describes a terrible car accident on I-85. Be sure to also take note of the way each story is introduced and closed.
3. Broadcast news is presented in a specific way. For example, the use of a field reporter and video footage can often make you more likely to watch the story.

Look at the following broadcast copy example:

Eleven more American troops were killed in Iraq this weekend alone. (Reports key fact in story – recent deaths.) Those deaths bring the total number of U.S. troop deaths in Iraq to 700. (Puts number in context – total deaths.) Most were killed after President Bush declared an end to major combat. (Highlights ironic fact – the real struggle is ongoing.)The U.S. administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, says Iraqi forces will not be ready to fight insurgents alone by the June 30 hand over date. (Reports related fact – U.S. leadership believes struggle won't end soon.) That means a large number of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq. (Explains consequence of this fact – U.S. troops must stay there.)

— Exampled provided by CNN (4/19/04)

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.