Guidelines for Assignments

Assume that an assignment will be given just about every class day. Some assignments will be done in-class, some outside of class. If you miss a class - find out what you missed asap!

Assignments are expected to conform to the broadcast writing guidelines that we go over in class. For example, if the assignment is to write a 30 second story, the story should not only be 30 seconds long (no more, no less) it should also follow all guidelines such as treating numbers, phonetic spelling etc. Any other specific criteria will be given at the time of the assignment.

Pitch meeting Assignments

In a typical newsroom, each day begins with a pitch meeting. At this meeting the news director solicits stories. The aim is to figure out what news to cover and who to assign particular stories. Reporters are expected to be on top of what is happening that might be newsworthy and pitch their ideas to the news director. Through give and take, the news director then chooses the stories and assigns coverage. Reporters want to be assigned to the biggest stories possible - as a result they pitch what they think are the biggest stories. Those who don't come up with newsworthy stories or aren't passionate about the stories they pitch often get assigned to the "leftovers." You don't want to be assigned to the leftovers!

Unless otherwise specified, we will hold a pitch meeting at the start of each class. As the news director I will run the meeting. Here's what I expect from reporters:

Reporters will come prepared with four story ideas, one each for international, national, regional/state and local news. Not only will reporters pitch the story (explaining what it's about) they will justify it based on the newsworthiness criteria discussed in class (timeliness, proximity, significance, conflict, prominence, human interest). In other words, a reporter might say "I propose we do a story on Iran's reaction to President Obama's Inauguration. (then describe the story in two or three sentences). It's newsworthy based on timeliness and conflict." The reporter's four stories will be turned in in hard copy at the end of the pitch meeting.

Features

Students will produce two features:

Each should be 90 to 120 seconds long. No less, no more.

One of the features should be Bethel related, one should be Bethel sports related.

One must include a stand-up (you may do a stand-up for both if you wish)

Each features should have at least two soundbites.

Each feature must be approved. Approvals will be on a first come first served basis.

For the final exam period, each student will choose which of their features they want to show to the class.

Due dates for each feature for each student is listed in the course outline. Students are to meet in my office at their appointed time. This is when your feature airs, so it cannot be late!

Students will decide how to deliver the features to the news director.

The emphasis for grading will be on the writing - not on videography or editing.