Free Bachelor of Journalism: Broadcast News Production Question and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What are the key features or attributes associated with "writing for the ear"?

Uses short sentences
Values active voice over passive voice.
Writing to be heard, not read.
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

'Writing for the ear' is a crucial skill in broadcast journalism, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and natural speech patterns. It involves using short, simple sentences, prioritizing the active voice for directness, and crafting language that sounds conversational and easily understood when spoken aloud. The goal is to ensure the audience can comprehend the information quickly and effortlessly without needing to re-read.

Question 2: The use of first person is allowed in broadcast-style writing.

TRUE (Correct answer)
FALSE
Maybe
None of these

Correct answer: TRUE

While traditional print journalism often avoids the first person to maintain objectivity, broadcast-style writing, especially for commentary, personal essays, or direct address to the audience (e.g., a reporter's stand-up or opinion piece), can permit its use. It helps establish a more conversational tone and direct connection with the listener or viewer. However, in straight news reporting, it's generally still avoided.

Question 3: Which of the following sentences is in the active voice?

The flames were extinguished just before 9 a.m.
The Bucaneers record falls to 2-4 after they were beat by the Eagles today.
Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer. (Correct answer)
All of the above

Correct answer: Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer.

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In option C, 'Mourners' (the subject) actively 'remembered' (the verb) the child. Options A and B use passive constructions ('were extinguished,' 'were beat'), where the subject receives the action, making them less direct and often less impactful in broadcast writing.

Question 4: What advantage does writing out loud offer?

You're more likely to write as you speak.
It's more like "telling someone a story."
You'll be able to hear the words you have trouble pronouncing- which could be a problem when you record your voiceover.
All of the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above.

Reading broadcast scripts aloud is a critical practice because it helps ensure the writing sounds natural and conversational, mirroring how people speak. It also allows the writer to identify awkward phrasing, complex sentences, or difficult-to-pronounce words that might hinder clear delivery during a voiceover or live broadcast. This process ensures the script is optimized for auditory comprehension and smooth delivery.

Question 5: What verb tense is utilized in effective writing for television and radio?

Present (Correct answer)
Future
Past
Perfect

Correct answer: Present

Effective broadcast writing often prioritizes the present tense to create a sense of immediacy and urgency, making the news feel current and relevant to the audience. Even when reporting on past events, broadcast journalists frequently use present tense verbs to describe the ongoing impact or current status of the story. This keeps the listener or viewer engaged and feeling connected to the unfolding narrative.

Question 6: Which of the following guidelines should be avoided in broadcast newswriting?

Use one idea per sentence.
Incomplete sentences are acceptable. (Correct answer)
Sentences should be between 11-15 words.
Conjunctions are acceptable.

Correct answer: Incomplete sentences are acceptable.

While broadcast writing emphasizes conciseness and a conversational tone, incomplete sentences can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity for the listener. Unlike spoken conversation where context fills gaps, broadcast news needs to be precise and fully understandable on first hearing. Therefore, complete, clear sentences are preferred, even if they are short and direct.

Question 7: Is it common to place attribution after the quote in broadcast writing?

YES
NO (Correct answer)
Maybe
None of these

Correct answer: NO

In broadcast writing, attribution is almost always placed *before* the quote or soundbite. This is because listeners need to know who is speaking before they hear the quote to understand its context and credibility immediately. Placing attribution first prevents confusion and ensures the audience can process the information effectively as it's spoken.

Question 8: In broadcast newswriting, which of the following should be written in full (spelled out)?

$ (Correct answer)
DEA
ISI
459

Correct answer: $

In broadcast newswriting, symbols like '$' are typically spelled out as 'dollars' or 'bucks' to ensure clarity and natural pronunciation for the announcer. Acronyms like DEA and ISI are usually written as such and pronounced letter by letter, while numbers like 459 are written numerically but often pronounced as 'four-fifty-nine' or 'four hundred fifty-nine.' Spelling out currency symbols helps avoid misinterpretation and ensures smooth delivery.

Question 9: Among the options provided, which sentence would you select as the most well-written?

The president was raked over the coals.
Judge Riley sentenced him to 30 years in prison.
Riot police use shields to push demonstrates back. (Correct answer)
Firefighters rushed to the scene of a massive blaze.

Correct answer: Riot police use shields to push demonstrates back.

The correct sentence, despite a minor typo ('demonstrates' should be 'demonstrators'), is the most well-written because it is direct, active, and uses clear, concise language. It avoids clichés and idioms found in the other options, which is a hallmark of strong journalistic writing. The other sentences use less precise language or common idioms that can weaken journalistic prose.

Question 10: When inspecting a sentence for passive voice, where should you place the phrase "by zombies!"?

In place of the verb.
Before the verb.
After the verb. (Correct answer)
None of the above.

Correct answer: After the verb.

The 'by zombies!' test is a common technique to identify passive voice. If you can insert the phrase 'by zombies!' after the verb in a sentence and it still makes grammatical sense (even if the meaning becomes absurd), the sentence is in the passive voice. For example, 'The ball was thrown (by zombies!)' clearly indicates passive construction.

Question 11: Public officials who possess knowledge of live ENG "Electronic News Gathering" work frequently schedule "news events" to occur during live newscasts. If the story is significant enough to warrant ENG tape coverage at any other time, what is the reason behind their preference for live coverage over taped coverage?

Live newscasts provide better video quality.
Live coverage allows for more in-depth reporting.
Officials prefer to see their events covered in real-time.
Taped coverage can be edited, while live coverage is broadcast as it happens. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Taped coverage can be edited, while live coverage is broadcast as it happens.

Public officials often prefer live coverage for news events because it prevents any editing or manipulation of the footage. Taped coverage allows news producers to select specific clips, potentially altering the narrative or removing less favorable moments. Live coverage ensures the event is broadcast in its entirety, as it unfolds, giving officials more control over the immediate public perception.

Question 12: In the context of broadcast news, how does the saying "it's not what you say but how you say it" hold significance?

Broadcast news should prioritize content over presentation style.
The manner in which news is presented can influence how the audience perceives and understands the information. (Correct answer)
Broadcast news should focus on what is being reported rather than how it is presented.
How news is presented is irrelevant; only the content matters.

Correct answer: The manner in which news is presented can influence how the audience perceives and understands the information.

In broadcast news, the manner of presentation is as critical as the content itself. The tone, body language, visuals, and pacing of a news report significantly influence how the audience perceives, understands, and retains the information. A compelling presentation can enhance credibility and engagement, ensuring the message is effectively conveyed.

Question 13: Please provide a comprehensive overview of the main factors used to determine newsworthiness.

Media outlets, news services, conflict, and audience interest.
Story significance, timeliness, exceptional quality, and press releases.
Number of sources, newsroom communication, and shock value.
Generally recognized significance, possible future impact, conflict, human interest, proximity, the number of people affected, timeliness, exceptional quality, and shock value. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Generally recognized significance, possible future impact, conflict, human interest, proximity, the number of people affected, timeliness, exceptional quality, and shock value.

Newsworthiness is determined by a comprehensive set of factors that assess a story's relevance and impact. These include its general significance, potential future impact, presence of conflict, human interest, proximity to the audience, the number of people affected, timeliness, exceptional quality, and shock value. These elements help journalists decide which stories are most important and engaging for their audience.

Question 14: Can you explain the distinction between hard news and soft news?

Hard news is factual and objective, while soft news is subjective and opinionated.
Hard news focuses on serious and significant events, while soft news covers entertaining and less critical topics. (Correct answer)
Hard news is reported live, while soft news is pre-recorded.
Hard news is presented with visuals, while soft news relies on text.

Correct answer: Hard news focuses on serious and significant events, while soft news covers entertaining and less critical topics.

Hard news focuses on serious, timely, and significant events such as politics, crime, economics, and international affairs, aiming to inform objectively. Soft news, conversely, covers less critical, more entertaining, or human-interest topics like lifestyle, arts, or celebrity news. The distinction lies primarily in the urgency, subject matter, and overall tone of the reporting.

Question 15: How do the roles of a news director and an on-air director differ from each other?

A news director is in charge of directing the news department, while an on-air director is responsible for live broadcasts. (Correct answer)
A news director is responsible for selecting news stories, while an on-air director handles audiovisual aspects during live broadcasts.
A news director works behind the scenes, while an on-air director appears on camera.
There is no difference; they have the same role.

Correct answer: A news director is in charge of directing the news department, while an on-air director is responsible for live broadcasts.

A news director holds a senior management position, overseeing the entire news department, including editorial decisions, staffing, and long-term strategy. An on-air director, also known as a technical director, is a production role responsible for the technical execution of a live broadcast, managing camera switching, graphics, and audio cues during the actual show.

Question 16: Can you outline the distinctions between a news piece and a documentary piece?

News pieces focus on real-time events, while documentary pieces provide historical context.
News pieces are shorter and provide an overview of events, while documentary pieces are longer and delve deeper into a specific topic. (Correct answer)
News pieces are pre-recorded, while documentary pieces are presented live.
There are no differences; they are the same.

Correct answer: News pieces are shorter and provide an overview of events, while documentary pieces are longer and delve deeper into a specific topic.

News pieces are typically short, timely reports designed to quickly inform the audience about current events, providing an overview. Documentary pieces, however, are much longer and involve in-depth investigations or explorations of a specific topic, often incorporating extensive research, multiple perspectives, and a narrative arc to delve deeper into the subject.

Free Bachelor of Journalism: Broadcast News Production Question and Answers

What are the key features or attributes associated with "writing for the ear"?