Keith Harper Jr.
11/29/2009
Med 3000
Dr. Mirrer
Take Home final
1. What are the advantages of using the two cassette system on VO/SOTs?
As an alternative, many news operations place the VO and the SOT on separate tapes. That gives the director a little more time for dealing with discrepancies in how long it takes to read a VO. By putting the SOT on a separate tape, they can wait until the anchor is finished reading the VO (with no one distracting her/him by talking into their ear while they are trying to read) and then transition the tape. The same guidelines about including pad video are true if the SOT is on a separate tape.
2. What are the three things that the lead‑in to a sound bite should accomplish?
A well-written story will contain three lead-in basics, which starts with, the writer capturing the essence of the story in the lead. Second, the copy itself doesn’t sound like it’s been written at all. It will sound, like a one side conversation, exactly as if the anchor or reporter is talking to someone, rather than at someone. Finally, the writer presents the fact in narrative storytelling format.
3. Define SOT.
SOT (sound on tape) - Interview sound, recorded on tape or disk, to be used in a broadcast news story.
4. What is unique about putting together a TV newscast, related to other forms of journalism?
Three things that are unique about putting a TV newscast together other than other formas of journalism are the graphics, artwork and visual placing.
5. What are the two parts of a standard lower‑third super?
The lower third is a graphic placed at the lower end of the television screen. They using are white with a drop shadow and they can also contain graphics.
6. Define outcue.
Outcue- The final few words of a story element not being read by an anchor (bite, package, wrap, and so forth).
1. What are some problems that can arise when you’re writing to file footage?
One problem that can arise is the tape does not match the new script one may have have written.
2. List two reasons for airing a story as a VO rather than in a lengthier format.
VO’s work better because for one they help the producer vary the pace of the show, secondly they allow the news team to deliver useful info in a short form. For example VO’s work very well when the news team covers events and a comment from someone at the event really wouldn’t add too much to the story so a VO can help.
3. Define "hyperkinetic."
Hyperkinetic-
4. Define “reader.”
Reader- A short television story read by an anchor with no accompanying video or full screen graphic.
5. Define “slug.”
Slug- Brief title assigned to a news story
6. Define "reader/actuality."
Reader/Actuality- A type of radio story in which the anchor reads the opening copy for the story, plays a cart or disk (which is the audio recording of the actuality sound bite), and then reads the closing copy.
7. Define "wrap."
Wrap- A type of radio story that includes the anchor lead and a voiced report from a reporter along with an actuality (sound bite); a “wrap” is the radio equivalent of news package in television.
1. List four tips to keep in mind when conducting (not shooting) an interview.
Never chew gum, always have direct eye contact, don’t fidget with your notes or play with your hair, and finally don’t wave the microphone around. You want to be direct straight forward and clear but yet respectful. You want to ask precise questions.
2. In an interview, save the tough questions for later.
True
1. First Amendment expert Gregg Thomas says a news operation that liberally uses the word “alleged” is practicing condom journalism.
2. What is an alternative to using the word “alleged?”
Suspects can be used as an alternative to alleged.
3. What is required for a journalist to be able to correctly use the word “suspect?”
A journalist is required to use the term suspect when the person has been named, jailed, or wanted in a connection for a specific act.
