50150 Television Journalism 1

UTS: Communication: Journalism Information and Media Learning
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50115 Journalism 2 OR 50235 Journalism 2 OR 57011 Research and Reporting for Journalism

Handbook description

This subject aims to develop professional skills in television journalism. While presenting an overview of the issues in news and current affairs, and including discussion of ethical issues faced by the electronic media, students also cover many of the practical aspects of television reporting. Working in groups, students produce their own stories, building on research and reporting skills covered in previous subjects. They are introduced to the technology of professional practice and are encouraged to produce broadcast quality journalism. The subject provides a foundation for more advanced study.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to

identify a television news or current affairs story, research and prepare a brief
shoot, interview, write a script and edit a television story
undertake individual and group work; meet deadlines
describe local, national and international people and events, current issues and media issues
identify key ethical and legal obligations associated with television reporting
apply basic industry standards to presentation

Contribution to graduate profile

Have a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
Have a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism and strive, throughout their careers, to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
Have an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
Have a critical understanding of the relationships between technology, professionalism and social change and be able to adapt their professional skills to future change and to new production challenges
Have strong research skills and effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
Have a critical understanding of issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
Have an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice

Teaching and learning strategies

There will be a three hour class each week, unless otherwise indicated in the outline. Activities will include lectures, discussions, a media conference and workshops.

Students are also expected to enrol in and pass workshops in the use of camera, sound and editing equipment. These workshops and a working knowledge of the technology is absolutely necessary in the successful completion of this subject. The workshops and attendance will be organised in the first week of class.

Content

Introduction to TV news and basic elements of television stories
Interviewing for television
Video sequences and their use in television news and current affairs; writing for television
Structuring the story
Voice and presentation skills session
News room operations and International news
Introduction to news features
Writing for the longer story
Ethical Issues in television journalism

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Research Brief and Draft Sequence for final project - Individual

Objective(s):	a, c, f
Weighting:	15%
Task:	Decide on two possible stories for the major project. Each student will complete a research brief as an individual task.
Assessment criteria:	demonstrate ability to identify a news story and research that story highlighting key elements selection of at least four appropriate sources selection of appropriate interviews ability to identify appropriate images and audio demonstrate ability to identify detailed overlay

Assessment item 2: First Project - Group

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d, e, f
Weighting:	30%
Task:	Complete a Court/Parliament news package
Assessment criteria:	demonstrate ability to identify a newsworthy story, research and develop the story and be able to tell it to an audience accuracy of research and at least two appropriate sources with facts substantiated selection of appropriate images and sound demonstrate writing techniques using words and pictures and conventions for television demonstrate ability to write clearly and succinctly and understand the role of language in conveying meaning and information demonstrate ability to work in a group and shoot and edit a broadcast quality story to a deadline

Assessment item 3: Writing Exercise - Individual

Objective(s):	c, f
Weighting:	25%
Length:	3-4 minutes
Task:	Writing a television script
Assessment criteria:	appropriate writing techniques using words and pictures to tell a television story selection of appropriate images and sound selection of appropriate interview grabs ability to write to a deadiline

Assessment item 4: Major Project - Group

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d, e, f
Weighting:	30%
Length:	3-4 minutes
Task:	Complete a news feature package.
Assessment criteria:	demonstrate ability to identify a newsworthy story and provide accurate and detailed research and sequences selection of at least two appropriate sources selection of appropriate images and sound demonstrate writing techniques using pictures and sound and understand the role of language in conveying meaning and information demonstrate accuracy and clarity in writing and presentation work in a group to shoot, write a script and edit a broadcast quality story to a deadline

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Indicative references

There are no set texts for this subject however recommended reading list will be distributed from time to time. Other reading material including stories, essays, critiques, editorials and relevant material will be distributed to students throughout the subject.

Students may be required to buy a specified external hard drive for editing.

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