FREE Bachelor of Journalism: Broadcast News Production Question and Answers
What are the key features or attributes associated with "writing for the ear"?
The key features or attributes associated with "writing for the ear" include using short sentences, valuing active voice over passive voice, and focusing on writing to be heard, not read. All of these elements contribute to creating content that is easily understandable, engaging, and accessible to an audience when spoken or heard, such as in radio broadcasts or podcasts.
Which of the following guidelines should be avoided in broadcast newswriting?
The correct answer is "Incomplete sentences are acceptable." In broadcast newswriting, it is generally preferred to use complete sentences to ensure clarity and convey information effectively. However, in some cases, particularly in headlines or breaking news situations, incomplete sentences may be used to deliver information concisely and capture the audience's attention.
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?
The reason public officials often prefer live coverage over taped coverage during live newscasts is that taped coverage can be edited before being broadcast, allowing for more control over the final message and presentation. In contrast, live coverage is aired in real-time, leaving no room for editing or filtering, making it more challenging for officials to control the narrative during the event.
Please provide a comprehensive overview of the main factors used to determine newsworthiness.
The primary criteria for newsworthiness include generally recognized significance, possible future impact, conflict, human interest, proximity, the number of people affected, timeliness, exceptional quality, and shock value. These factors help determine the relevance and importance of a news story.
What advantage does writing out loud offer?
The correct answer is "All of the above." Writing out loud offers several advantages, including making the writing process more like "telling someone a story," helping you write in a more conversational and natural manner, and allowing you to identify words or phrases that might be difficult to pronounce during a voiceover recording. By vocalizing your writing, you can enhance its clarity, flow, and effectiveness when presented orally or in a broadcast context.
The use of first person is allowed in broadcast-style writing.
The use of first person is allowed in broadcast-style writing. In broadcast journalism, reporters often use first-person pronouns (such as "I" or "we") when presenting news stories or providing personal insights or experiences related to the subject matter. This approach can add a sense of immediacy and connection between the reporter and the audience, making the content more relatable and engaging. However, it is essential to use first person judiciously and when appropriate, as objectivity remains a crucial principle in journalism.
Which of the following sentences is in the active voice?
The correct answer is "Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer." This sentence is written in the active voice because the subject ("mourners") performs the action ("remembered") directly on the object ("the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer").
Is it common to place attribution after the quote in broadcast writing?
The correct answer is "False." In broadcast writing, it is standard practice to place attribution before the quote, identifying the source of the information or quote before presenting it to the audience. This helps the audience understand who is speaking and adds credibility to the information being presented.
Can you outline the distinctions between a news piece and a documentary piece?
News pieces are typically shorter and provide a concise overview of real-time events, while documentary pieces are longer and delve deeper into a specific topic, often providing historical context and in-depth analysis.
Can you explain the distinction between hard news and soft news?
The difference between hard and soft news lies in their focus. Hard news covers serious and significant events such as politics, disasters, and international affairs. On the other hand, soft news deals with entertaining and less critical topics like lifestyle, entertainment, and human-interest stories.
How do the roles of a news director and an on-air director differ from each other?
A news director is the top person in the News Department and is in charge of directing the news department's overall operations. In contrast, an on-air director is responsible for handling the audiovisual aspects of live broadcasts, ensuring smooth transitions, and managing technical elements during the newscast.
In the context of broadcast news, how does the saying "it's not what you say but how you say it" hold significance?
The expression "it's not what you say but how you say it" applies to broadcast news because the manner in which news is presented can significantly impact how the audience perceives and understands the information. Delivery, tone, and presentation style play a crucial role in engaging the viewers and conveying the message effectively.
What verb tense is utilized in effective writing for television and radio?
The correct answer is "Present." Effective writing for television and radio often uses the present verb tense to create a sense of immediacy and engagement with the audience. This tense is commonly used to deliver news updates, provide commentary on current events, and maintain a sense of relevance and timeliness in broadcasting.
Among the options provided, which sentence would you select as the most well-written?
The correct answer is "Riot police use shields to push demonstrators back." This sentence is the most well-written among the options provided because it effectively conveys a clear and concise description of the action taken by the riot police. The verb "use" and the clear subject "riot police" make the sentence straightforward and informative.
When inspecting a sentence for passive voice, where should you place the phrase "by zombies!"?
When inspecting a sentence for passive voice, you should place the phrase "by zombies!" after the verb. In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action, and the "by" phrase identifies the doer of the action.
In broadcast newswriting, which of the following should be written in full (spelled out)?
The correct answer is "$." In broadcast newswriting, the symbol for currency should be spelled out as "dollars" rather than using the symbol "$." This practice ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion for the audience, especially for listeners who might not see the visual representation of the symbol.