This document outlines an innovative approach to teaching news producing and production within a TV studio curriculum. It involves students working in groups to create news content that is selected from submissions across class sections, requiring real story positioning challenges. Students take on roles like producer, director, anchor and weather person to complete a multi-step project that includes script writing, filming, editing, and conducting a live 5-minute newscast. Grading is done separately for individual steps and contributions to emphasize individual work and professional teamwork. The goal is to provide an authentic news production experience that develops skills needed for short-form broadcasts and enhances students' professional careers.

1. Chrissy Guest
Ithaca College
An Innovative approach to News Producing & Production
Instruction within theTV-Studio Production Curriculum
BEA IGNITE

2. Overview
▪ In this unit we will explore producing and
directing news content. The NEWS project
explores your ability to create two blocks of
content for a newscast style 5-minute nightly/
morning cut-in. In class we will discuss and
create a news reporter package using the
Audio/Video script format and Adobe
Premiere.The practice scripts provided in
the button below are for the in class News
practice rotations and to be used as a guide
when formatting your project scripts.This
unit's project will be a group assignment
divided into 4 key roles during the broadcast.

4. Step 1
(Groups of 4)
NEWS Pre-Production Assignment Instructions
▪ This portion of the GROUP project will be graded on the formatting, length and creativity of
your scripts.Your attention to details such as video and audio will be considered.You will
use a portable field camera to record interviews and B-roll then edit together a news
package (PKG), voice over (VO) and voice over- sound on tape (VOSOT).This work will be
completed outside of class.
▪ As a group shoot and write a news package.You will then use the materials you shot for the
news package to create shorter versions of that same story.Your final submission will
include a News Package,VOSOT,VO and Reader based on the same story as well as a OTS
graphic using the builder provided. (Save graphics as TIFF)
Lengths of stories with videos include the script toss and close to be read by the anchor from
the news desk.
▪ Package 1-1:30 in length
▪ VOSOT 45-55 in length
▪ VO 30-45 in length
▪ RDR 15-20 in length
SCRIPT LABELING: Label all the scripts with THE STORY SLUG_FORMAT_YOURLASTNAME
▪ Example ITHACA_COMMONS_VO_GUEST
▪ Example ITHACA_COMMONS_GRAPHIC_GUEST
▪ ***Your submission should include all of the group member's names, your scripts as
well as a graphic. Your group is responsible for loading your video's into the server
for the class to select from***
▪ Group submission

5. Step 2
(Individual
Analysis)
NEWS: Producing Analytical Essay .
▪ This assignment is designed to broaden your ability to
analyze the producing practices used during nightly
newscasts. In your analysis essay give a detailed
examination of the rundown or structure of ABC World
News Tonight with David Muir based on class
discussions and your own interpretation. Include details
about the use of story positioning, length of blocks, use
of video and graphics, as well as the techniques used to
retain viewership throughout the broadcast.
▪ Essay Length 2-3 pages
▪ Individual submission

6. Step 3
(Group/
Individual)
THE NEWS PROJECT: PRODUCTION
▪ The group will be graded on the execution of a 5-minute double anchor newscast with a
weather cast. Grading of your critical thinking skills takes into consideration the way the
team deals with challenges and how you as a team overcome those challenges. ***Group
members are charged with the roles of PRODUCER, DIRECTOR,
ANCHOR1 and WEATHER. Groups of 3 will use a group of the class for the role of
WEATHER.***
▪ PRODUCER selects scripts from the NEWS PROJECT SCRIPT's FOLDER to create
the RUNDOWN for a two block show that includes a 1 minute commercial break. Producer
also writes the toss to break, a toss from the anchors to the weather person and from weather
to end the show. (submit rundown & both toss scripts)
▪ ANCHOR orders the scripts from the rundown to create a PROMPTER file. Creates
a Chyron sheet of all lower thirds needed. (submit prompter file & chyron list)
▪ WEATHER will be responsible for weather map graphics save as TIFF. Weather supplies a
sheet for Chyron with the 3 day forecast High Temp and Low Temp. (submit WX graphics &
WX Chyron sheet) (GROUPS of 3 will not produce the WX)
▪ DIRECTOR will confirm that all videos and graphic list are completed. Director will print
show rundowns for the cast and crew. Director makes scripts for broadcast. (submit marked
script)
BRING the following to class the day your group produces a 5 minute newscast.
▪ 5 copies your show scripts 2 copies of your show’s chyron list
▪ 16 copies of your show's rundown 1 USB drive with all
Graphics TIFFs (1920x1080)
▪ Individual
submission

7. Step 4
(Individual
Reflection)
News REFLECTION ESSAY
▪ The Reflection Essay should describe your experience
during: the group pre-production process creating the
videos used in the newscast, in your role during
the production process and your analysis of the
newscast afterwards. What did you learn? How did you
solve for problems? What have you taken away from this
experience? Comparing your experience with previous
course projects to that of the newscast project what
differences in the experience lead to learning? Do you
feel you now have a better understanding of the needed
planning for a short form broadcast? Review your group
project before completing this reflection.
▪ Essay Length 2 pages minimum
▪ Individual Submission

8. So, What’s
Innovative?
We all do newscast assignments like this!

9. Working across class sections
provides producers with real story
positioning and selection
challenges. Groups select from
the entire list of story submissions
to build a unique show rundown.

10. Production
rotations work
within areas of
student interest.

11. Deadlines are
stressed throughout
this project
including Airtimes!
Rotation Schedule: (updated 10/24) Based on a
110 minute class session.
▪ GROUP 1 (Nov. 7th, 1:40pm AIRTIME)
▪ GROUP 2 (Nov. 7th, 2:35pm AIRTIME)
▪ GROUP 3 (Nov. 12th, 1:40pm AIRTIME)
▪ GROUP 4 (Nov 12th, 2:35pm AIRTIME)

12. Grading
▪ Separate grading for each step means that
only one portion of the unit uses group
grading (step 1).The remainder of the unit
weighs on the individual contributions and
an overall professional teamwork approach
(step 2, step 3, step 4).This changes the
group dynamic placing the workload on
everyone.

13. Learning Outcomes
▪ Produce, research, and create news content for
television by submitting original materials in
appropriate formats for video production.
▪ Critique, identify and analyze sophisticated
communicative techniques used in news producing
and production.
▪ Demonstrate a positive professional attitude and a
teamwork approach that helps to make projects
successful and provides an experience you can take
with you that will enhance your professional career.

14. Thank you
Chrissy Guest
Assistant Professor
Ithaca College
cguest@ithaca.edu