TV News Story Production Notes

Beginning (Lead): This is the start of the news story, showing the main point right away.

Middle (Development of facts & details): This part gives background and context. It includes:

  • Establisher: Introduces the topic.

  • Embellish the story: Adds depth to the narrative.

  • Sound Bite (Actuality): Real quotes from interviews.

  • Pictures: Visuals that help explain the story.

The End (Conclusion): Wraps up the story, shown either on-camera or off-camera.

Length of TV News Stories:

  • Story Length Determination:

    • Must be long enough to tell the story.

    • Affected by the length of the newscast and competing stories; some flexibility allowed.

    • Minimum length: Must be at least 10 seconds.

    • Maximum length:

      • Stories without audio or videos get boring after 45 seconds.

      • It's rare that such stories go over 35 seconds.

Types of TV Stories Using Videotape:

  1. Voice Over (VO): The anchor talks while the video plays.

  2. Voice Over with Sound Bites (VO/SB): Anchor narrates with quotes from subjects.

  3. Reporter Packages: A full story reported by a correspondent, with in-depth content.

Voice Over (VO):

  • The anchor tells the story while the video plays.

  • Script looks like graphic copy with video cues.

  • Typical length: 20 to 40 seconds, longer stories should be reporter packages.

Voice Over with Sound Bites (VO/SB):

  • Similar to radio, but with audio clips from subjects.

  • Anchor introduces sound bites with on-screen graphics.

  • Length: Typically no longer than 45 seconds.

Anchor Lead-in with Reporter Package:

  • Lead-in: The anchor introduces a story a reporter will cover.

  • The reporter’s segment follows and can be 1-3 minutes long, about 1:30 is standard.

Leads in Broadcast News:

  • The first sentence(s) of a story; meant to attract viewers.

  • Differences between TV & Print Leads:

    • TV leads include the anchor's presence.

    • TV leads answer 'what' and 'where' not 'why' and 'how'; suggest intriguing outcomes.

Snapper in Broadcast Stories:

  • The last sentence in a broadcast story; important for summarizing.

  • Should be short and impactful; wraps up the story well.

Types of Snappers:

  1. Main Point: Reinforces the main message.

  2. Another Fact: Adds info to the main story.

  3. Other Side: Shows different viewpoints.

  4. Future Ramification: Talks about potential consequences.

  5. Punchline: Often a witty or memorable ending.