1. News features
What are we expecting to hear in a news bulletin?
o A level, pitched voice
((Makesthe contenteasyto understandandavoidsoffense/expressionof personal views))
o A lack of humour
((Avoidsdisrespect))
o Headlines with a specific structure, the most important news first and then the
entertainment and sport
((The mostimportantfirstbecause itiswhatlistenerswant))
o Short time, 2 - 3 minutes
((Avoidslistenersgettingboredbutensuresall importantnewsiscovered))
o Embedded clips
((Givesextrainformationtothe storyandis more interesting))
o Weather/travel
((A lotof people are drivingandneed/wantthe information,goodforlocal news))
o Contact information
((Listenerscanfindmore informationoritcan be usedfor phone insandcompetitions))
o Date and time
((Peoplewithoutthe time mayneedtoknow if they're driving))
o 6 - 8 stories
((Givesthe informationneededtocoverwithoutmakingthe bulletintoolongandboring))
o Non bias
((AgainstOfcomrules,forcesviewpointsonlistenersandmaynot coverall aspectsof a story))
o Specific jingle
((Mayindicate the newsstartingandshow whichstationisplaying,itaidsthe transition))
o Every hour
((Frequentupdate withoutbeingoverpowering))
Key terms
Intro:
Involves a greeting, time check and name.
Copy story:
Most basic coverage, usually with 4 simple sentences to explain the story. It may be if a story is
not important or that there isn't enough information so there isn't a clip to accompany it.
Cue:
An introduction to a story then an audio is heard to expand. The intro is usually only 2
sentences referred to as an 'in-line' to introduce the clip.
2. Cut:
15 - 20 second piece from an interview or speaker to add extra information.
Voicepiece:
30 - 40 seconds of talking by another journalist used for more detail or in complicated stories.
Vox pop:
15 - 20 piece of audio featuring 4 or 5 different voices, usually used for talking to the public.
Two way:
Used in longer bulletins like a mini interview between a newsreader and reporter. Usually for
breaking news and often live.
Wrap:
Combination of clip and voicer. The reporter reads a voicer but embedded within a clip of
someone related to the story. It can be several clips included and lasts about 40 - 50 seconds.
O.B:
Is an outside broadcast, it sets the scene and creates an interesting atmosphere. Some
companies have a van with a satellite link and some just use phones and other devices.
Stab:
Very short version of the jingle without voice. It seperates certain parts of the bulletin.
Bed:
Music plays in the background with the reader. It is fast paced, keeps younger audiences
interested and is usually for sport/entertainment.
S.O.C:
It is the end of a bulletin which may state contact details or tell the audience when the next one
is.
