Introduction to Television Reporting

1. How television news teams work together

(This is the first article in the Ten part series on 'Introduction to Television Reporting', this series is part of an online course taken by CBA, which is restricted to working journalist)

The composition of news teams will be slightly different at each television station. But everyone must understand their role and responsibilities. Television news is produced under tight deadlines and each report must give information both clearly and skilfully.

In some countries reporters work as their own producer. And sometimes camera operators also edit the video material. Sometimes the journalist even works alone as both a reporter and a camera operator. But always remember - everyone on the team is a journalist!

Here are the classic television roles for a four person team:

The reporter gathers the facts, narrates the story, conducts the interviews, appears in the piece-to-camera (also called PTC or stand up) and writes the script. Reporters also work with the video tape editor in the edit room.

The producer guides the editorial content of the story with the reporter and can also help gather facts and arranges interviews.The producer can also direct the camera operator and discuss the editing process.

The camera operator also records audio in most places. It is less common to have a separate sound recordist as the technology of cameras has made one person camera operation much easier.

The video tape editor must edit the rushes (also called the field tape) to the requested length and record a script from the reporter. Ideally the reporter writes the script after viewing the video material and discussion with the producer and/or the programme editor.

Responsibilities

The reporter and the producer

·         must ensure that their reports are fair, accurate and balanced.

·         must make sure the news reports are made respecting the laws of the country. These laws vary from country to country and it isup to all journalists to understand them as they affect reporting.

·         The reporter/ producer should discuss the story with the camera operator and decide what kind of video and sound they hope to get.

·         The producer and reporter should discuss the story with the programme editor.

The camera/sound operator

·         must be sure that all the equipment needed for filming is brought on location and in good working order. This will include bringing sufficient video tapes & batteries, different microphones and a tripod.

·         Lighting gear may also be required on some stories and interviews.

The video tape editor

·         should point out good shots and good audio to the reporter/producer so they can be highlighted in the script.

·         should also alert the reporter/producer to any problems with shots or audio.

TIP: Remember that every person on the team brings skill and knowledge to each news story. Sometimes a camera operator will be very experienced about a particular story or location. VT editors can add their experience and knowledge as well.

A good journalist values every member of the team and asks for their opinion. The result will be a stronger, more informed news story.

The team has a responsibility to deliver the news story by the agreed deadline.

Everyone on the team is responsible for safety; they should look after one another when they are in the field.

Planning your story for your audience – connect & explain

The job of the journalist is to inform, educate and entertain. But you must start by asking yourself: what is the story?

The answer to this question must be clear in your mind whether you are covering a breaking news story or a news feature. Sometimes you must explain a complicated or confusing story to your viewers.

So always ask yourself:

1. What are the one or two key points in the story?

2. How you can best illustrate these points with video, sound and interviews?

A longer story is not always a better story. In fact, a shorter news story is often more effective.

Always think of your audience and ask yourself two questions:

1. Why should my audience care about this story?

2. How does this story affect my audience?

Try to make your stories relevant to your audience whether they are local, national or international stories. If the story does not have a direct impact on your audience, explain why the story matters.