National Stories
Story finds the local angle to national or international news stories
Report length: 1:15 to 1:30
The reporter uses CNN footage to edit a national or international story that has a local angle. The report uses the “donut” format where the student appears live at the news desk to introduce their story.
The story is more an analysis of a news event, which explains something of significance to the local community rather than simply report what happened.
The report must cover breaking news, which is either the latest news or something that happens unexpectedly, which also happens to have a local angle.
- The story topic is decided during the news meeting.
- The reporter selects footage from CNN Newsource and writes the script, which they will then track and edit like any other package, minus stand-ups.
- Reporter appears live at the desk doing the intro and tag. The package should not use a reporter sig out, i.e., Your Name, NewsTeam Boulder.
- Reporters may also include a phone interview with a local expert.
Deadline:
Finish editing no later than 11:00am before the newscast.
Grading Criteria:
Visuals
The project is engaging to watch. Camera shots tell the story visually with sequences that clarify and build upon the previous images. Shots change every seven seconds or less. There are no camera jiggles or lighting problems.
Audio
NATS and dialogue are balanced properly. SOTS and VO are engaging. SOTS kept no longer than 12 seconds. VO is read with enthusiasm and with the appropriate emotional tone. No pops or other distracting sounds in the audio.
Script
Easy to understand, active voice and conversational, has meaning to the audience and conveys compelling, newsworthy information. There is evidence of research and proper attributions (where the information comes from, such as surveys or studies). Stand-up is interactive, creative, integral and advances the story.
Editing
Shots are trimmed properly (seamless) and transitions fit the piece. No jump cuts or words that have been cut off. Images seem to fit together. Story is allowed to “breathe” with NAT sound inserted between SOTS and VO in certain places.