Academic Catalogs

FILM A151: Broadcast Journalism

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 10/07/2020
Top Code 060430 - Broadcast Journalism
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

An overview of television news, broadcast production and writing. Practical in studio experience with on-air news reporting and on-camera interview techniques. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Write a news story that includes the elements of who-what-when-where-why.
  2. Identify important historical trends in broadcast journalism.
  3. Extemporaneously deliver a news story of a “live” event.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate the differences in writing styles for in-studio interviews, field stories and studio newscast through writing assignments.
  • 2. Demonstrate the ability to research and write effective stories.
  • 3. Use the communication system unique to TV studio operation both on-camera as ell as behind the camera.
  • 4. Demonstrate knowledge of on-camera delivery and interview techniques.
  • 5. Work as a production team member in producing a newscast and identify the job duties of each team member.
  • 6. Identify key components of broadcast law as it relates to broadcast journalism.
  • 7. Discuss the challenge of media ethics in a competitive broadcast environment.
  • 8. Effective terminology unique to broadcasting.
  • 9. Knowledge of employment opportunities and skills required for employment in broadcast journalism.

Lecture Content

Introduction to in-studio interview techniques Research Writing effective questions Visual elements Introduction to field reporting Research the story Visual Elements Writing intros and questions for a TV interview Understanding in-studio communication Broadcast content On-camera performance techniques Reading from a teleprompter Taking a cue In-studio production techniques Selecting images Preparing images for broadcast Aspect ratio of broadcast TV Producing a newscast Organization of the news team Producer Assignment Editor Anchor Field Reporter/Producer Selecting stories. Writing effective news stories Who What When Where Why and How Broadcast law and regulations Fair Use Equal Time Media ethics Objectivity TheEditoria; Attributions Slander Careers in broadcasting Local TV Cable TV Network TV Web/Internet

Lab Content

1.  Delivery techniques and understanding of newscast of basic story forms a.     Readers (RDR) b.     Voice-overs (VO) c.     Voice-over to sound on tape (VO/SOT or VO/SOTVO) d.     Reporter packages (PKG) -latin;">              e.      Donuts 2.   2.  On-Camera techniques and practice of studio news story a.     Eye contact b.     Use of teleprompter c.     Breathing techniques d.     pan>Reading from a distance e.     Timing f.      Emphasis on keywords 3.     3. On-Camera techniques and practice of ad-lib live news story a.     Use of notes b.     Environmental elements / distractions di-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.     4.  On-Camera techniques and practice of guest interview segment a.     Host/Guest blocking b.     Microphone handling techniques c.     Timing d.     Introduction and Wrap up/Toss to anchors 5.     5.   Communication a.     Floor Director/ ENG news crew protocol (hand signals and cues) b.     IFB (Interruptible Foldback) operation and techniques.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)
  • Lab (04)
  • DE Live Online Lab (04S)
  • DE Online Lab (04X)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture Demonstration Video Examples One-on-one instruction Individual assignments Group assignments Assignment critique Examinations

Reading Assignments

Students will read on average 1-2 hours per week from assigned textbooks and articles.

Writing Assignments

Students will spend approximately 10 hours throughout the semester on writing assignments.

Out-of-class Assignments

Multiple writing assignments (scripts) based upon research topics from the lecture. Writing the field report, TV interview, and newscast. Proficiency in the use of terminology unique to broadcasting will be demonstrated by incorporating the correct use of terms in writing assignments (scripts), classroom discussions and studio productions. Students will spend 3-4 hours per week on out-of-class assignments, including but not limited to: Lecture notes review Exam preparation Individual production assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

On-camera interview assignment. Newscast assignment. On-location newscast assignment. Written examinations. Attendance/Participation

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving through the creation and delivery of their broadcast projects while working with instructor and production team.

Eligible Disciplines

Broadcasting technology (film making/video, media production, radio/TV): Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Thompson, Robert Malone, Cindy. The Broadcast Journalism Handbook – A Television News Survival , ed. Rowman Littlefield Publishers, 2003 Rationale: Optional textbook for students interested in further learing about Broadcast Journalism 2. Required Stewart, Peter Alexander, Ray. Broadcast Journalism – Techniques of Radio and Television , ed. Focal Press, 2016

Other Resources

1. Video (cassette or DVD) for recording interview and newscast. 2. Selected readings and handouts from "industry" magazines/journals. 3. Actual scripts from broadcast newscasts.