Course Plan: Broadcast Journalism for Grade 9
Course Introduction
Broadcast Journalism is an essential field that combines storytelling with technology to share news and information with a broad audience. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of broadcast journalism, equipping them with the skills to research, report, and present news effectively through various media platforms. By blending theory with practical skills, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of broadcast journalism's role in society and the ethical responsibilities that come with it.
Course Goals and Aims
Goal:
To provide students with a foundational understanding of broadcast journalism, enabling them to produce their own news content while appreciating the importance of ethics and integrity in reporting.
Aims:
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Understanding News Values:
Students will learn how to identify and assess the elements that make newsworthy stories.
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Research Skills:
Develop skills for researching topics effectively and verifying sources.
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Writing and Storyboarding:
Teach students how to write scripts and create storyboards for news broadcasts.
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Technical Skills:
Train students in using audio and visual equipment, including cameras, microphones, and editing software.
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Presentation Skills:
Enhance students' on-camera presence, interviewing techniques, and vocal delivery.
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Ethics in Journalism:
Instill an understanding of journalistic ethics and the responsibilities of journalists towards their audience and subjects.
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Teamwork and Collaboration:
Foster skills in working as part of a news team, including roles such as reporter, director, and editor.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Broadcast Journalism
- Definition and significance
- Overview of media platforms
Lesson 2: The Role of a Broadcast Journalist
- Key responsibilities and skills
- Various job roles in the industry
Lesson 3: Understanding Newsworthiness
- Elements of newsworthy stories
- Audience analysis
Lesson 4: Research and Fact-Checking
- Techniques for researching news topics
- Importance of source credibility
Lesson 5: Writing for Broadcast Versus Print
- Differences between print and broadcast writing
- Crafting engaging scripts
Lesson 6: Develop a Story Idea
- Brainstorming news topics
- Pitching story ideas
Lesson 7: Storyboarding Basics
- Creating a storyboard for news segments
- Visual storytelling
Lesson 8: Introduction to Equipment
- Overview of cameras, microphones, and lighting
- Basic operation of equipment
Lesson 9: Audio Techniques
- Importance of sound in broadcasting
- Tips for clear audio recording
Lesson 10: Video Techniques
- Framing and composition
- Basic shooting techniques
Lesson 11: Editing Fundamentals
- Introduction to editing software
- Basic editing techniques
Lesson 12: Creating News Packages
- Structuring a complete news story
- Combining audio and visual elements
Lesson 13: Conducting Interviews
- Interview techniques and question formulation
- Role-playing interview scenarios
Lesson 14: Ethics in Journalism
- Understanding journalistic ethics
- Case studies of ethical dilemmas
Lesson 15: Media Law
- Overview of laws affecting broadcast journalism
- Copyright, libel, and privacy issues
Lesson 16: Covering Different Types of News
- Local vs. global news
- Different genres: sports, politics, entertainment
Lesson 17: Developing a News Report
- Assigning roles: reporter, producer, editor
- Collaborating on a group news report
Lesson 18: On-Camera Presence
- Tips for being confident on camera
- Practicing delivery and body language
Lesson 19: The Role of Social Media
- Using social media for news dissemination
- Ethics of sharing news online
Lesson 20: Creating a News Show
- Components of a news broadcast
- Planning a live or recorded news show
Lesson 21: Writing Teasers and Headlines
- Crafting enticing headlines and teasers
- The importance of capturing audience attention
Lesson 22: Audience Engagement
- Tips for engaging your audience
- Understanding viewer demographics
Lesson 23: Live Broadcasting Techniques
- Preparing for live broadcasts
- Managing live production challenges
Lesson 24: Field Reporting
- Challenges and skills for successful field reporting
- Safety and legal considerations
Lesson 25: The Impact of News
- Analyzing the influence of news on society
- Discussing current events and their implications
Lesson 26: Final Project Planning
- Building a project outline for a final news segment
- Assigning team roles
Lesson 27: Final Project Execution
- Student groups create and edit their news segments
- Providing peer feedback during the process
Lesson 28: Final Presentation
- Each group presents their news segment
- Evaluating presentations based on criteria set in advance
Lesson 29: Reflecting on the Experience
- Discussing lessons learned throughout the course
- Personal reflections on journalism's impact
Lesson 30: Course Conclusion and Future Steps
- Discussing career opportunities in journalism
- Overview of how to continue honing journalism skills
References
- Beale, M., & Ogilvy, J. (2015). Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and Television News. CRC Press.
- Keeble, R., & Mair, J. (2015). The Newspapers Handbook. Routledge.
- Ward, S. J. A. (2019). The Ethics of Journalism: Truth, Fairness, and Context. Routledge.
- Wimmer, R. D., & Dominick, J. R. (2016). Mass Media Research: An Introduction. Cengage Learning.
- Dyer, P. (2013). Inside Television Writing: How to Succeed in the Television Writing Business. Skyhorse Publishing.
This course plan for Broadcast Journalism aims to prepare students for creative and thoughtful engagement with the media, fostering skills that will serve them in various future endeavors.