The document discusses the importance and structure of television news packages. It begins by defining a package as an edited video report for news or features, including visuals, interviews, and narration to tell a story. It then outlines the key elements of effective packages, such as focusing on a central topic, using compelling leads and endings, and writing concise narration that enhances rather than repeats the visual content. The document emphasizes researching topics thoroughly and crafting packages that engage viewers and communicate essential information through storytelling with video and sound.

1. Packages
The Backbone
of
Contemporary TV Newscasts

2. Types of TV News Stories
 Package (PKG):
 Great advantage: Precision of editing pictures, sound, and
narration.
 50 seconds - 3:00 + in length. Depends on the overall quality of
the story (importance, visual appeal, strong writing, etc.).
 Provides depth and complexity.
 Demonstrates firsthand knowledge.

3.  Package (PKG):
 An edited, self-contained videotape report of a news event or feature
 complete with pictures, soundbites, voice-over narration, and natural
sounds.
 The package is a form of narrative story telling with a beginning, middle,
and ending.
+

4. Research!
Secondary Sources
Newspapers
 Internet
Records
Books
Primary Sources
 Informal/off-camera interviews with informed
people of multiple vantage points conducted via
email, phone, or in person

5. Writing Packages
 Elements of a Package:
 Focus or Commitment
Beginning:
 Anchor (or Studio) Intro
 Package Lead:
Narrative Lead
Visual Lead (+ nat. sound)
 Middle:
 3-4 Main Points (stay focused!)

6. Writing Packages
 End:
Final narrative
Final visual (+ nat. sound)
 Anchor Tag:
A concluding thought
A bit of information not included in the
package
Provides transition to next story.

7. Writing Packages
 Anchor Intro:
 Write it first, not last!
 Must pass the “so what” test.
 Must include enough information to let viewers know why they
should watch (2-3 sentences minimum), but not so much that
they already know the outcome.
 Can be written as “hard lead” or “soft lead.”

8. Writing Packages
 Focus:
 In one simple, vivid, declarative sentence:
What is this story about?
Why should viewers care?
What is the essential message your
story should convey?
What should viewers remember?

9. Writing Packages
 Visual Lead:
 Most important or compelling video.
 Item most likely to be remembered later (along with closing
visual).
 Natural Sound is critical!
 Make me care. Make me want to pay attention.

11. What is the focus of that story?
Hunter
Pond
Dog
Duck
Iggie, the one-legged duck, is a survivor. In spite of
being born with only one leg, he continues to outwit
predators of all kinds at the Wheeler Wildlife
Refuge. Park official, Tom Smith, believes he may
be more wiley than any cartoon character. (Cut to
interview with Tom…) Iggie’s left flipper helps him
to swim, but it certainly doesn’t help him walk.

12. Writing Packages
 Narrative Lead and Script:
 Don’t force it. Be patient.
 Write sparsely.
 Don’t state the obvious – let pictures and sound help you tell the
story.
 Know when to shush.
 Communicate with photographer/editor.
 Stay focused.

13. Writing Packages
 Anchor Tag:
 Don’t repeat – unless it’s vital.
 Use information that’s interesting, but perhaps slightly off focus.
 Write with an eye toward future developments.
 Provide closure / conclusion / transition.