Stacking and prioritizing stories are crucial skills for any TV news producer. These techniques help create engaging newscasts that keep viewers tuned in from start to finish. By carefully selecting and ordering stories, producers can maximize audience interest and boost ratings.
Effective stacking involves balancing various factors like news value, timeliness, and local relevance. Producers must consider the , broadcast time slot, and competition when making editorial decisions. The goal is to create a well-structured newscast that informs and captivates viewers across different platforms.
Importance of story stacking
Story stacking plays a crucial role in engaging viewers from the very beginning of a newscast and keeping them interested throughout the entire program
Effective story stacking helps maintain audience interest by presenting the most compelling and relevant stories in a logical and attention-grabbing order
A well-crafted story stack can boost ratings and ad revenue by attracting and retaining viewers, making the newscast more appealing to advertisers
Engaging viewers from the start
Top images from around the web for Engaging viewers from the start
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Breaking News: Morocco Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Iran View original
Is this image relevant?
Cara Bawa Berita Yang Baik & Benar - geisler09mcfarland View original
Is this image relevant?
Basic principles of writing a story lead - The Journalist's Resource View original
Is this image relevant?
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Breaking News: Morocco Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Iran View original
Is this image relevant?
Cara Bawa Berita Yang Baik & Benar - geisler09mcfarland View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Engaging viewers from the start
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Breaking News: Morocco Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Iran View original
Is this image relevant?
Cara Bawa Berita Yang Baik & Benar - geisler09mcfarland View original
Is this image relevant?
Basic principles of writing a story lead - The Journalist's Resource View original
Is this image relevant?
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Breaking News: Morocco Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Iran View original
Is this image relevant?
Cara Bawa Berita Yang Baik & Benar - geisler09mcfarland View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
The should be the most impactful, timely, or interesting to immediately capture the audience's attention (, major developments)
The first few minutes of a newscast are critical in setting the tone and establishing the newscast's credibility and relevance
Viewers are more likely to stay tuned if they are engaged by the initial stories and feel that the newscast is worth their time
Maintaining audience interest
The story stack should be designed to keep viewers engaged by alternating between different types of stories (, human interest, lighter stories)
Teases and promotions throughout the newscast can entice viewers to stay tuned for upcoming stories
The pacing of the newscast should be varied to maintain viewer interest, with a mix of longer, in-depth stories and shorter, more digestible pieces
Boosting ratings and ad revenue
Higher ratings lead to increased ad revenue, as advertisers are willing to pay more for spots during popular newscasts
Consistent, engaging story stacking can help build viewer loyalty and establish the newscast as a reliable source of information and entertainment
A strong newscast brand and reputation can attract premium advertisers and sponsorships
Key factors in prioritization
Several key factors must be considered when prioritizing stories for a newscast, including news value, timeliness, local relevance, and human interest
Balancing these factors helps ensure that the newscast is informative, engaging, and relevant to the target audience
News value and impact
Stories with significant impact on the community, region, or nation should be given high priority (policy changes, major events, investigative reports)
The potential consequences and implications of a story should be weighed when determining its placement in the stack
Stories that hold those in power accountable or expose wrongdoing often have high news value
Timeliness and urgency
Breaking news and developing stories should be prioritized to keep viewers informed of the latest events
Stories with a sense of urgency or immediacy are more likely to capture viewers' attention (deadlines, public safety threats, rapidly unfolding situations)
Timely stories help establish the newscast as a reliable source for up-to-date information
Local relevance and proximity
Stories that directly impact the local community should be given priority, as viewers are most interested in news that affects their daily lives (local government, schools, crime)
Proximity to the viewer makes stories more relatable and engaging
Local angles on national or international stories can make them more relevant to the audience
Human interest and emotion
Stories that evoke strong emotions or showcase compelling human experiences can be powerful tools for engaging viewers (triumphs over adversity, acts of kindness, unique personalities)
Human interest stories help create an emotional connection between the audience and the newscast
These stories can provide a balance to hard news and offer a more personal touch to the broadcast
Stacking strategies
Effective story stacking involves strategic decision-making to create a compelling and well-structured newscast
Various strategies can be employed to maximize viewer engagement and ensure a balanced presentation of news
Lead story selection
The lead story should be the most significant, impactful, or attention-grabbing story of the day
Factors to consider when choosing a lead story include timeliness, relevance, and potential to draw in viewers
The lead story sets the tone for the entire newscast and should be chosen carefully
Balancing hard news vs soft news
A mix of hard news (politics, economics, crime) and (human interest, lifestyle, entertainment) helps create a well-rounded newscast
Too much hard news can be overwhelming for viewers, while too much soft news may not be seen as substantive
Striking the right balance keeps viewers engaged and ensures they receive a comprehensive news update
Placement of breaking news
Breaking news stories should be given priority placement, often at the top of the newscast or in the A-block
If a breaking story develops during the newscast, it may be necessary to adjust the stack in real-time
Producers should have contingency plans for handling breaking news and be prepared to make quick decisions
Teases and promotions
Teases and promotions throughout the newscast can be used to keep viewers engaged and encourage them to stay tuned
Effective teases highlight upcoming stories without giving away too much information, creating a sense of anticipation
Promotions for future newscasts or special segments can help build viewer loyalty and increase tune-in
Newscast structure
The structure of a newscast is designed to present stories in a logical and engaging order, with each block serving a specific purpose
Understanding the role of each block and the placement of different types of stories is essential for creating an effective newscast
A-block priorities
The A-block typically contains the most important and timely stories, including the lead story and any breaking news
This block should be fast-paced and attention-grabbing to keep viewers engaged
The A-block often sets the tone for the rest of the newscast and should be carefully crafted
B-block and beyond
The B-block and subsequent blocks allow for more in-depth coverage of stories introduced in the A-block
These blocks can also include additional stories that are important but not as time-sensitive as those in the A-block
The pacing of these blocks can be slightly slower than the A-block, allowing for more comprehensive storytelling
Weather and sports placement
Weather and sports segments are typically placed in the latter half of the newscast, often in the C-block or later
The placement of these segments can vary depending on the importance of weather events or major sports stories
Consistency in the placement of weather and sports helps viewers know when to expect these segments
Kicker story considerations
The kicker story is the final story in the newscast, often a light-hearted, uplifting, or amusing piece
The kicker story should leave viewers with a positive feeling and encourage them to tune in again
Placement of the kicker story is important, as it should not overshadow more serious news but still leave a lasting impression
Editorial decision-making
Editorial decision-making is a collaborative process that involves various roles within the newsroom, each with specific responsibilities
Effective communication and coordination among team members are essential for making informed decisions and adapting to changing circumstances
News director's role
The has overall responsibility for the newscast's content and structure
They provide guidance and direction to the team, ensuring that the newscast aligns with the station's editorial standards and values
The news director makes final decisions on story placement, resource allocation, and coverage priorities
Producer's responsibilities
Producers are responsible for executing the news director's vision and creating a cohesive, engaging newscast
They make decisions about story order, segment length, and visual elements
Producers work closely with reporters, anchors, and production staff to ensure a smooth and polished broadcast
Collaboration with reporters
Reporters play a key role in shaping the content of the newscast by pitching stories and providing on-the-ground perspective
Collaboration between producers and reporters is essential for developing compelling, well-rounded stories
Regular communication and feedback help ensure that stories meet editorial standards and fit within the newscast's structure
Adapting to changing circumstances
The news environment is constantly evolving, and editorial teams must be prepared to adapt to breaking news and changing priorities
Flexibility and quick decision-making are essential for adjusting the story stack and newscast structure as needed
Effective communication and coordination among team members are crucial for navigating unexpected changes
Factors affecting stacking
Various factors can influence the way stories are stacked and prioritized in a newscast, including audience demographics, broadcast time slot, and competition
Understanding and adapting to these factors can help optimize the newscast's impact and reach
Target audience demographics
The target audience's age, gender, income, and interests should be considered when stacking stories
Stories that resonate with the target audience are more likely to keep them engaged and coming back for more
Demographic data and audience feedback can inform stacking decisions and help tailor the newscast to viewer preferences
Broadcast time slot
The broadcast time slot can influence the types of stories prioritized and the overall tone of the newscast
Morning newscasts may focus more on traffic, weather, and lighter stories to help viewers start their day
Evening newscasts may prioritize more in-depth, serious stories and provide a comprehensive summary of the day's events
Competition from other newscasts
Awareness of competitors' coverage and stacking strategies can help differentiate the newscast and attract viewers
Offering unique angles, exclusive content, or a distinctive presentation style can set the newscast apart
Monitoring competitors' performance and audience response can provide insights for refining the newscast's stacking approach
Seasonal and event-driven changes
Stacking strategies may need to be adapted to accommodate seasonal changes or major events (holidays, elections, sports tournaments)
Special coverage or themed segments can be incorporated to capitalize on viewer interest during these times
Flexibility in the story stack allows the newscast to remain relevant and engaging throughout the year
Stacking for different platforms
In today's media landscape, news content is consumed across various platforms, each with its own unique characteristics and audience expectations
Adapting stacking strategies for different platforms is essential for maximizing the reach and impact of news content
Linear TV vs digital
Linear TV newscasts have a fixed structure and time constraints, requiring a carefully planned story stack
Digital platforms (websites, apps) allow for more flexibility in story presentation and user interaction
Digital stacking strategies may prioritize stories that generate high engagement, such as those with compelling visuals or interactive elements
Social media integration
Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) can be used to promote newscast content and engage with viewers
Stacking strategies for social media should focus on stories that are likely to be shared and generate discussion
Teasing upcoming stories or providing behind-the-scenes glimpses can help build anticipation and drive viewers to the newscast
Podcast and streaming considerations
Podcasts and streaming platforms offer opportunities for more in-depth, niche-focused news content
Stacking strategies for these platforms may prioritize longer-form storytelling and more specialized topics
Consistency in release schedules and content themes can help build a loyal audience
Tailoring content for each medium
Each platform has its own strengths and limitations, and stacking strategies should be tailored accordingly
Visual elements, story length, and presentation style may need to be adapted to suit the platform and its audience
A cohesive brand identity and consistent editorial standards should be maintained across all platforms
Evaluating stacking effectiveness
Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of stacking strategies is essential for continuous improvement and audience growth
Various metrics and analytics can be used to assess the impact of stacking decisions and identify areas for optimization
Viewer engagement metrics
Metrics such as time spent viewing, audience retention, and social media engagement can provide insights into how well the story stack resonates with viewers
These metrics can help identify which stories or segments are most effective at capturing and holding audience attention
Regularly reviewing engagement metrics can inform ongoing adjustments to the stacking strategy
Social media analytics
Social media analytics can reveal which stories generate the most shares, comments, and reactions
This data can help identify topics and angles that resonate with the audience and inspire further coverage
Monitoring social media sentiment can also provide valuable feedback on the newscast's overall impact and reputation
Ratings and market share
Television ratings and market share data provide a high-level view of the newscast's performance relative to competitors
Analyzing ratings trends over time can help identify the impact of stacking decisions on audience growth and retention
Ratings data can also inform advertising and sponsorship strategies, as well as programming decisions
Continuous improvement strategies
Regularly reviewing and discussing stacking effectiveness with the newsroom team can help identify opportunities for improvement
Encouraging experimentation and innovation in stacking strategies can help the newscast stay fresh and relevant
Seeking feedback from viewers, advertisers, and industry peers can provide valuable insights for refining the stacking approach
Staying informed about industry trends and best practices can help the newscast remain competitive and adapt to changing audience preferences