Professional Communications
In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Arts, AV Technology & Communication
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to produce a complete newscast.
Specific Objectives
• Identify the purpose and responsibilities of each member of a news crew.
• Determine the steps necessary to produce a news package.
• Explain how to prepare for and conduct a news interview.
• Identify things to consider when recording an interview.
• Define terms associated with the lesson.
• Create a newscast based on collected data.
Terms
Investigative
Broadcast
Newscast
Satellite core equipment
Social perceptiveness
Composition
Adaptability
Punctuality
Ethics
Production value
Time
When taught as written, this lesson should take approximately 4 class periods to complete.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.99. (c) Knowledge and Skills
(2) The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) adapt language for audience, purpose, situation and intent such as structure and style,
(B) organize oral and written information,
(E) apply active listening skills,
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
1
(F) listen to and speak with diverse individuals, and
(G) exhibit public relations skills.
(7) The student develops leadership characteristics. The student is expected to:
(B) employ teamwork and conflict-management skills.
(10) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ planning and timemanagement skills to complete work tasks.
(12) The student understands the pre-production process. The student is expected to:
(B) use technology applications to facilitate pre-production by:
(v) creating a script and identifying resources needed to begin the production.
(D) identify and participate in the team roles required for completion of a production.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English, Language Arts and Reading 110.31(c)
(13) Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising,
editing, and publishing) to compose text. Students are expected to:
(A) plan a first draft by selecting the correct genre for conveying the intended meaning to multiple
audiences, determining appropriate topics through a range of strategies (e.g., discussion, background
reading, personal interests, interviews), and developing a thesis or controlling idea.
(16) Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific
audience on specific issues. Students are expected to write an argumentative essay to the appropriate
audience that includes:
(B) consideration of the whole range of information and views on the topic and accurate and honest
representation of these views.
(24) Listening and Speaking/Listening. Students will use comprehension skills to listen attentively to others in
formal and informal settings. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater complexity.
Students are expected to:
(A) listen responsively to a speaker by taking notes that summarize, synthesize, or highlight the
speaker's ideas for critical reflection and by asking questions related to the content for clarification and
elaboration.
Exploring Careers 127.3 (c)
(1)(2)(3)(5)
The student explores personal interests and aptitudes as they relate to education and career planning,
analyzes personal interests regarding education and career planning, analyzes college and career
opportunities and recognizes the impact of career choice on personal
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/):
Job Title: Reporters and correspondents
O*Net Number: 27-3022.00
Reported Job Titles: Reporter, Anchor, News Reporter, General Assignment Reporter, Television News Anchor
(TV News Anchor), Television News Reporter, Television Reporter (TV Reporter), Staff Writer, Sports Writer,
News Director
Tasks:
•
•
•
Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial
style and formatting guidelines.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details.
Determine a story's emphasis, length, and format, and organize material accordingly.
Research and analyze background information related to stories in order to be able to provide
complete and accurate information.
Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political,
news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.
Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
Research and report on specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology, politics, foreign
affairs, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Listening Comprehension
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
• Review and familiarize yourself with the terminology, website links, and slide presentation.
• Be prepared to help students find components listed in the slide presentation and cater to an intended
audience.
• Secure proper video equipment for students to use or assign as homework for those capable.
References
Newscast Guides & Examples:
Teacher-chosen resources needed for this, or have students search internet for newscast examples and
guides.
Instructional Aids
If no computer use is available for the preparation students will need:
• Pen or pencil
• Copy of slide notes or slide presentation
• In the News Info sheets
• In the News Grading Rubric
• Instructor computer and projection Unit
If computers are available, students will need:
• Computers
• Video equipment for news broadcasts videos
• Online websites (teacher-directed)
Introduction
Discuss some of the following questions:
• How many of you know what a newscast is? Can you name one? Can you name and identify different
purposes for the news and newscasts?
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
3
•
•
•
What are some things that you think should be included in a newscast?
Have you ever seen a popular newscast? What topic was covered in the most recent newscast you’ve
seen?
List some popular newscasters.
Students will complete the instructions
and answer questions on the Hando
Outline
MI
Outline
Instructor Notes
I: Define News Anchors
Note: During the next 4 class
periods, go through the slide
presentation with students.
Discuss information and have
students follow along by
completing the handouts and
gathering projects for their
newscast.
II: Rules for News Anchors
a. Memorize
b. Notes
c. Engage audience
d. Be Professional
III: Successful News Anchors
IV: Tips to Create and Present a Great
Newscast
V: Reporting Duties
VI: Pick a Newscaster Role
As you go through each slide,
move about the room to
observe as students follow the
directions and complete the
steps on their computers.
Review each aspect of the
assignment and discuss the
steps students will take in
completing their projects.
VII: News Script
VIII: Checkpoint
Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
4
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
1. Introduce the slide presentation. Go over terminology and make sure students understand terms.
NOTE: Teacher may create a vocabulary quiz or let students come up with a creative way to quiz each
other – partner quizzing, team competition, game format, etc.
2. After defining the terms, go back through the slides and demonstrate or model techniques used in
newscasts. Explain that students will complete a newscast with a group.
3. Review the information in the slides and answer any questions.
4. Go over grading requirements based on the attached rubric.
Independent Practice
Students will work individually to collect and assemble documents for their newscast.
1. Students will review the expectations, grading rubric and info sheet.
2. Students will work with a group to create a newscast with the required documents collected.
3. Students will participate in class presentations and discussion.
Pacing Recommendation:
Lesson Explanation, Slide Presentation and Key Terms
1/2 lesson period
Key Terms – Have students define terms
(Teacher may create a quiz or let students quiz each other – partner quizzing, team
competition, game format, etc.)
Go over each slide and discuss creating a news broadcast.
Newscast Info Sheets:
1 lesson period
Go over the Handout: In the News Info Sheet
Students will complete an info sheet for each position in their group (Anchor, Sports Reporter,
Weather or Traffic Reporter, On the Scene Reporter).
Putting the Newscast Together:
1 lesson period
Guide students through picking out work to include in each section and allow them to create
their broadcast using video equipment.
Remind students of their intended audience, required formats, deadlines, and where their
newscasts should be saved to present.
Presenting Newscasts:
1 1/2 lesson periods
Summary
Review
Review talking points from the presentation and key terms from slide presentation.
Discuss any issues that come up while creating the documents and final project.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
5
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Students may be informally assessed through the following methods:
• Instructor observation during presentation, guided practice and independent practice
• Observe as students follow the steps on each slide ; review or reteach as needed.
• Check understanding of terms orally.
Formal Assessment
Students may be formally assessed through the following methods:
• Completed Newscast: Projects must include the required content, proper organization, and will be
assessed using the attached rubric.
•
Enrichment
Extension
Students may be interested in the pursuit of a degree in reporting, corresponding, or news and television
broadcasting. Students may want to examine specific positions to find out more about jobs in broadcasting.
Encourage students to write an essay or present an oral presentation on the benefits and downfalls of the
position they chose. Include specific information, such as average salary, benefits, work hours, etc. This essay
or presentation may count as teacher-scaled supplementary credit.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
6
In the News Info Sheet
Project Name:
Project Date:
Your Name:
News Role (Anchor, Sports Reporter, Weather or Traffic Reporter, On the Scene Reporter):
For this project, each group will write a script, record, and edit a news report.
Report Format
•
Include at least one fun story for each reporter.
•
Include at least one serious story for each reporter.
•
Must be real and researched.
•
Must provide source of information.
•
Must have an exact written script for each person. During broadcast, you can use cue cards only - cannot read directly from script sheet.
Recorded News Broadcast Format
•
Remember, it is a unified news broadcast.
•
Use transitions between reports. (Example: “Now, back to you, John.”)
•
Must have credits and introductions.
•
Each person should speak about 3 minutes for a total video time of about 12 minutes (for a group
of 4.)
•
Must use video editing software to edit video into one “News Broadcast”.
•
When using the cameras, give some lead time before speaking to assist in the edit process.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
7
In the News Grading Rubric
Criteria
Completeness
(10 points)
Required
Parts
(30 points)
Exceptional
Above Average
Below Average
Unacceptable
9-10 points
Work is organized
properly and
presents a
completed
newscast with all
parts in order.
27-30 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Work is
complete, but
lacks some
organization.
Work is
unorganized.
No attempt
was made to
organize.
15-26 points
1-14 points
0 points
The student’s
work was added
for each required
section including
reference
broadcast sites.
Most items are
included, but
organization is
lacking.
The student is
missing more
than half of the
items.
No attempt
was made.
1-8 points
The student has
not completed
or is missing
more than half
of the info
sheets.
1-14 points
No attempt
was made.
27-30 points
9 -16 points
The student is
missing some
info sheets or
they have not
been completely
filled out.
15-26 points
All items are
original in thought
and exceptionally
creative.
Items are
original and
somewhat
creative.
Limited
evidence of
creativity and
originality in
thought.
No evidence of
creativity or
originality in
thought or
execution of
project.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
17-20 points
Info Sheets
(20 points)
Creativity
(30 points)
Professional
Appearance
(10 points)
Comments:
The student
included
completed info
sheets for each
member.
Excellent project.
Neat and
professional in
appearance.
Good project.
Very few
corrections are
needed.
Fair project.
Several errors
are evident.
0 points
0 points
Project is
unprofessional
and errors
distract
significantly.
TOTAL
POINTS:
AAVTC: Professional Communications: In The News: Creating a News Broadcast
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.
8
Points