📺TV Newsroom Unit 6 – Newscast Formatting and Rundowns

What's a Newscast Rundown?

• Serves as a blueprint or roadmap for the entire newscast outlining the order and timing of each element
• Includes all the essential components such as stories, commercials, graphics, and transitions
• Acts as a central document that the entire news team refers to throughout the broadcast
• Ensures the newscast flows smoothly and stays on track with predetermined time constraints
• Allows the director, anchors, and production crew to coordinate and execute the newscast effectively
  • Provides clear cues for when to switch cameras, roll video, or display graphics
  • Keeps anchors informed about upcoming stories and segments
• Facilitates communication and collaboration among the various roles involved in the newscast production process (producers, writers, editors, etc.)
• Enables quick adjustments and revisions to be made in real-time as the newscast unfolds

Key Elements of a Rundown

• Slug: A brief, unique identifier for each story or segment in the rundown
• Story type: Indicates the format of the story (package, reader, vo/sot, etc.)
• Estimated duration: The anticipated length of each story or segment
• Talent: Specifies which anchor or reporter is responsible for presenting each story
• Script: The written copy that the anchor or reporter will read on-air
• Video and graphics: Placeholders for any accompanying visuals or graphics to be displayed during the story
• Commercials: Designated slots for commercial breaks throughout the newscast
• Transitions: Notations for how the newscast will flow from one story to the next (dissolves, cuts, etc.)

Creating the Rundown Structure

• Begin by determining the overall length and format of the newscast (30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.)
• Divide the newscast into logical segments or blocks based on content themes or geographical areas
  • Examples: local news, national news, sports, weather, entertainment
• Allocate time for each segment based on the relative importance and depth of the stories
• Insert commercial breaks at regular intervals to provide natural transitions and adhere to advertising commitments
  • Typically, 2-3 minutes of commercials for every 15 minutes of content
• Arrange stories within each segment based on news value, timeliness, and viewer interest
• Include brief teases or promos at the end of each segment to entice viewers to stay tuned
• Allow for flexibility and buffer time to accommodate breaking news or unexpected developments

Timing and Pacing

• Precise timing is crucial to ensure the newscast fits within its allotted time slot and meets contractual obligations
• Each story or segment must be carefully timed to the second during the rundown creation process
  • Producers use specialized software to track the total running time of the newscast
• Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm of the newscast as it progresses from one story to the next
  • Varies the length and depth of stories to maintain viewer engagement
  • Intersperses shorter, simpler stories with longer, more complex ones
• Aim for a balance of content that informs, engages, and holds the audience's attention
• Adjust the pacing as needed to accommodate breaking news or to eliminate any "dead air"
• Rehearse the newscast with the entire team to ensure smooth transitions and accurate timing

Story Order and Flow

• Lead with the most significant, impactful, or timely stories to capture viewer attention
• Follow a logical progression that moves from hard news to lighter, more feature-oriented stories
  • Hard news: politics, crime, accidents, natural disasters
  • Soft news: human interest stories, lifestyle pieces, entertainment
• Group related stories together to provide context and maintain a coherent narrative flow
• Use teases and bumps to create anticipation and bridge gaps between segments
  • Tease: A brief preview of an upcoming story designed to pique viewer curiosity
  • Bump: A short verbal or visual transition between stories or segments
• Consider the emotional impact of stories and alternate between positive and negative news to avoid overwhelming viewers
• End the newscast with a strong, memorable story that leaves a lasting impression on the audience

Integrating Graphics and Video

• Incorporate visual elements to enhance storytelling, provide context, and engage viewers
• Lower thirds: Graphic overlays that appear in the lower portion of the screen to identify speakers or provide additional information
• Full-screen graphics: Used to display data, charts, or images that complement the story being presented
• Over-the-shoulder (OTS) graphics: Smaller graphics that appear next to the anchor to illustrate key points or statistics
• B-roll: Supplemental video footage that visually supports the story being told by the anchor or reporter
• Establish clear cues in the rundown for when graphics and video elements should be displayed
  • Ensures the director and production crew are prepared to execute the visual elements seamlessly
• Balance the use of graphics and video to avoid overwhelming the viewer or detracting from the main story

Handling Breaking News

• Be prepared to adjust the rundown on the fly to accommodate breaking news stories as they develop
• Prioritize breaking news over previously planned stories, as timeliness is crucial in maintaining viewer interest
• Establish clear communication channels between the newsroom, field reporters, and the production team
  • Allows for quick decision-making and coordination as the story unfolds
• Allocate additional time for breaking news coverage by condensing or eliminating less essential stories
• Use on-screen graphics and lower thirds to provide real-time updates and context for the breaking story
• Maintain a balance between providing comprehensive coverage and not overwhelming viewers with excessive details
• Have contingency plans in place for technical difficulties or communication breakdowns during live breaking news coverage

Rundown Software and Tools

• Specialized software designed to streamline the creation, management, and execution of newscast rundowns
• Examples: ENPS (Electronic News Production System), iNews, Octopus Newsroom
• Allows for real-time collaboration and updates among the news team
  • Producers can make changes to the rundown that are instantly visible to the entire crew
• Integrates with other newsroom systems such as scriptwriting software, video playback servers, and graphics systems
• Provides timing tools and templates to ensure the newscast adheres to its allotted duration
• Enables the director to control various production elements directly from the rundown interface
  • Switching cameras, rolling video, displaying graphics, etc.
• Offers version control and backup features to protect against data loss or system failures
• Generates reports and analytics to help evaluate the success and efficiency of the newscast