module specification

This module introduces students to the basics of television news production and output.

You will learn the basic techniques of television/video news reporting. These will include how to identify and research the story, how to interview and do vox pops, basic filming techniques, how to write a video news script and what the various elements that go to make up that script are.

You will also learn how to record your voice, compile a news running order and put a news bulletin on air, using standard TV studio practises in the TV studio. You will also learn how to present yourself in front of camera, how to do live reporting and about security issues while filming.

You will cover the essentials of how to work in a team environment, media law and ethics and the importance of the visuals and sounds in video news reporting. This module will also cover the changing nature of journalism. Theory will be covered using industry examples.

You will learn how to handle and look after video and sound equipment, which you will use frequently both in simulated classroom scenarios, with students around the campus and on the street.
There are a number of functions to learn in operating the TV studio which you will take turns to do, learning by trial and error and instructed by tutors who have worked in the field and have knowledge of both the editorial and technological considerations necessary.

You will cover the importance of time management in researching and preparing your news material and the key issue of deadlines while on air.

Available for Study Abroad? NO

This module will focus on training students to write stories to a publishable standard and put them on air using standard TV principles of editing, addressing and interviewing with a camera and putting out a simple news bulletin, following TV studio guidelines.

Topics include:

· How to use camera and audio equipment to film b-roll and conduct interviews · Basic video editing skills
· How to perform in front of camera
· Basic knowledge of the different functions in TV studio: presenter, floor manager, graphics, sound, autocue, mixer, studio manager
· Teamwork and time management
· Running orders and putting a programme on air

This module provides a mix of learning and teaching activities. Since you are new to the subject there is a certain amount of lecturing on theory, but always followed by a practical activity – where possible a simulation of a real-life journalistic activity, such as how to research a story or interview.

You might also leave the campus to conduct vox pops, or interviews on a given subject with members of the public or other students and lecturers chosen at random within the campus.

After each class, you are required to complete a journal on what you’ve learnt, what you found stimulating and/or challenging and how you see their development as a journalist progressing. Lecturers read these journals and can occasionally comment. They also constitute a key part (20%) of the final assessment.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Be able to recognise and select important, relevant and newsworthy facts from written and verbal sources, using appropriate skills or techniques;
2. Report these to a broadcast standard free from grammar and factual errors;
3. Identify the different approaches and styles of various news sources, including broadcast and online.
4. Create accurate, clear, vigorous and balanced news stories, in a form that will attract and interest your video audience.

SM3050 Making News for TV | London Metropolitan University