What I Learned About Broadcast Journalism By Producing A Newscast From Home
Our first and only show that we recorded in the studio. I was lucky enough to be the anchor of that show, coincidentally it was the last day on campus for the Spring 2020 semester.
To the class of Hunter News Now 2021,
I don’t think anyone can fully prepare for this class - unless you’ve taken it the previous year. It’s not that it’s the heaviest class, compared to the 300-level political science classes I’ve taken the workload is equal, but it’s very different from any other class. The time you put into producing four newscasts in a few months is A LOT. Studio news reporting is so different from the purely academic classes, this class actually prepares you for the real world. You work together as a team to create the best show possible and everyone needs to be equally invested in bringing the news to our Hunter community.
As you all know, spring 2020 was not a regular semester, after one show in the TV-studio we had to transform the show completely. We produced the following three shows via Zoom, and while it was a struggle to get good b-roll, talking to fellow Hunter students really brightened up my quarantine. Producing a newscast felt more important than ever and staying on top of editing scripts and re-editing packages together with my peers and Professor McCarthy was been so fun.
I’ve learned so much, I’m a much better journalist now than when I started, this course is a well-rounded and real-life-simulation of broadcast journalism. The support and care Professor McCarthy gives all of us sets the tone for the group and motivates you to be better (and impress her).
A few things I take with me from this semester:
B-roll, b-roll, b-roll. There’s never enough and I’d recommend for you all to watch some Youtube videos about how to get good b-roll. After being stuck at home, not having much control over the b-roll you want, I have an increased appreciation for good b-roll. Tight shots, wide shots, and avoid pan shots.
Never feel bad for coaching your subjects to get the best shot of the best soundbite. You want them to look their best, and to sound good as well. Of course, you can’t tell them what to say, but you can tell them to use shorter responses and think before they speak. Same with coaching subjects to stand and look where you want them to look.
Be creative with your stand-ups, the last package (about quarantine cooking) I did I set up a whole table with produce and chopped onion just in the beginning before I started speaking. It’s such an effective way to catch the viewer’s attention while having fun.
Don’t be afraid to ask your peers for help, if you don’t know how to present the information in a visually pleasing way - get a second opinion.
Best of luck to you all and ENJOY!