Newscasts

News presentation on television has evolved over the years, until today it follows a pretty standardized form throughout the world:

• Narration to camera (from a prompter).

• A series of brief videotaped or filmed stories.

• Live-action video inserts (usually remotes/OBs).

• Graphics with the reporter’s voice when there are no pictures.

• Live topical studio interviews.

• Illustrative graphics (charts, maps, etc.).

• Titling from character generators (identifying subtitles, quotes, etc.).

This format is also used for other ‘omnibus’-type programs, In sports round-ups, for example, a central sportscaster will introduce a series of live, filmed or videotaped items and interview guest celebrities.

General setup

The newscaster reading the prompter reflected at the camera lens appears to be speaking directly to the viewer. There is usually a script on the desk for emergencies (and to give authenticity to the spoken word), but direct script reading is avoided wherever possible.

An earpiece carrying intercom (switched talkback) from the director and news editors prepares and cues the newscaster for upcoming stories. Picture monitors show;

• The on-air transmitted picture.

• A preview picture of the identification clock (VTR) or leader (film) for the next story.

• There may also be a cue light, which can be operated by the director, to indicate when to begin speaking.

• A nearby desk telephone enables the newscaster to contact the director in an emergency.

Behind the newscaster’s desk, many TV stations use a relatively plain background, displaying a station logo and a frame identifying the current story.

This frame may be rear-projected, but is usually an SEG electronic insert, or a chromakey patch. When an in-shot picture monitor is used as a display screen, it can also be utilized for remote interviews.

The TV cameras (which may be remotely controlled) seldom move, but zoom to adjust the shot size.

Basic organization

Good presentation relies on careful organization. An up-to-date running order is essential, including last-minute items and deletions, in-cues and out-cues and durations for each section. Program timing can be affected by the speed and accuracy of the newsreader’s reading. Timing cues in the prompter script can assist in keeping the dialogue in step with the picture, introducing pauses of appropriate length wherever necessary. Ad libs may not be welcome, particularly where precise cuing is being taken from prearranged word cues.

To anticipate possible failures (e.g. film breakage, problems with a satellite link), it is usual to hold timed reserve stories on a standby VT or film machine. The newsreader has suitable announcements at hand.

As the newscaster sees it

Although apparently at ease talking directty-to the audience, the newscaster is in reality working to a carefylly timed presentation syrroynded by various aids: prompter, picture monitors, clock, floor-nnanager, standby script eye-light, desk phone to director.