TV News Broadcast Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology used in the structure of TV news broadcasts, providing an overview for students preparing for exams.

What is A-Roll in TV news?

A-Roll is the main source of footage that verbally tells the story and serves as the backbone of the video.

What is B-Roll in TV news?

B-Roll is the supplementary footage that complements A-Roll and visually shows the story.

What is the purpose of the opening introduction montage?

The opening introduction montage follows the teaser, showcasing the station’s news team with staged B-Roll over theme music and voiceover.

What does the Lead-In refer to in TV news?

The Lead-In is the opening line(s) of dialogue the Anchor reads before cutting to B-Roll, setting up the story.

What are lower 3rds in a TV news broadcast?

Lower 3rds are graphical overlays containing the names of anchors that appear when they introduce themselves.

What is a VO (Voice Over) in TV news?

A VO is the Anchor’s voice that talks over related B-Roll footage following the lead-in.

What does VOSOT stand for?

VOSOT stands for Voice Over to Sound On Tape, transitioning from the Anchor’s voiceover to the related sound bite.

What is a Sound Bite (SOT)?

A Sound Bite is a brief video clip of 10 to 20 seconds that enhances the A-Roll story, typically related to interviews or testimonies.

What is a package in TV news?

A package is a documentary-style news story that is pre-recorded, edited, and featured during a live broadcast.

What is a human interest story?

A human interest story is a narrative not tied to current events, focusing on people or feel-good scenarios.

What does Toss refer to in TV news?

Toss is when an Anchor or Field Reporter wraps up their story and sets up another Anchor's story.

What is Banter in a TV news broadcast?

Banter is the small talk commentary exchange between Anchors that relates to the news topic, often brief and humorous.

What is a reader segment?

A reader segment is a short news story without video, featuring only a talking head.

What is a run down in TV news?

The run down is a detailed schedule that maps out the entire news broadcast including shooting schedules.

What is the purpose of the sign-off in a news broadcast?

The sign-off is the Anchor’s verbal conclusion of the segment, wrapping up the story and may include tossing to the next Anchor.