WWPH—TV “NEWS” PACKAGE: (15)
____1. A News Package for WWPH—TV tells the story about something interesting or important in
the school or community (or someone, or an on-going issue). A package uses good story telling
technique and structure, and is very focused on one, specific storyline. NOTE: Since we never know
when something will be aired on WWPH—TV, you must choose a TFN story to tell. All package
elements must be TFN.
____2. A News Package for WWPH—TV is a totally JOURNALISTIC, OBJECTIVE package.
The reporter must “distance her/himself” from the story, NOT a part of the story in ANY way. Narration must be neutral.
____3. News Package requirements: (Must use digital camcorder and wired, hand-held microphone)
 TIMING: NO LONGER THAN 2 MINUTES (2:00)
 FORMAT: All news packages must include 4 elements:
---VO: Voice-over (the reporter’s vocal track….narration done over B-Roll)
---SOT: (SOT=Sound on Tape=sound bites from an interview or interviews). For this package, you must have
a minimum of one interview resulting in a minimum of 3 SOTs. The reporter should NOT be seen or heard
during the SOTs. The first time an interviewee speaks, he/she should appear with an identifying graphic (name
and position, etc.). After the graphic, B-Roll may run during the rest of the SOT. Future SOTs with the same
interviewee may show most or even all B-Roll during the SOT. The reporter should narrate in and out of the
sound bites (the narration should be able to stand alone and make total sense even without the SOT, just as it does
when writing around sound in radio.)
---B-Roll: footage that provides visuals for the voiceovers (VO) and SOTs. The goal is to match the video with
the narration and SOTs. Avoid “generic B-Roll.” Shoot with a purpose. Shoot in sequences of 3 (long,
medium, and close). Avoid zooms and camera movements. Over-shoot the start and end of your scenes.
(Tip: Shoot a lot more B-Roll than you think you need!!!)
---Graphics: Must use WWPH-TV standard font, color and style. (See online handouts for exact
specifications.) Minimum: Identify speakers (name, title, etc.). You may include charts, maps, pictures, etc.
 OPTIONAL ELEMENTS:
1. Stand Up: The only allowed “on-camera appearance” by the reporter when he/she narrates an important or
transitional segment in the story.
2. NatSOT: (NatSOT = Natural Sound on Tape = Sound that is not voiceover and not SOT.) It might be
the sound of a train going by, a babbling brook, crowd noises, siren, people talking within a story (but not
to the reporter), etc. NatSOT is used to give more of a feel for the environment of the story, and sometimes
can be used as a transition in a package.
 RELEASE / WAIVER FORMS: (Print forms from web site: Templates: Other)
Anyone appearing in any production for WWPH—TV (adults and minors) must sign a release / waiver form.
(Minors must also have a parent sign.). Get waivers signed BEFORE filming. Hand in waivers ALL AT
ONCE, STAPLED to all other FINAL paperwork. Productions missing waiver forms will receive NO
CREDIT and WILL NOT BE AIRED.
 NO MUSIC and NO EFFECTS (wipes, etc.) in packages!
 Packages must end with standard WWPH—TV out-cue (see online handouts for details.)
 USE PROFESSIONAL SHOTS & COMPOSITION: (As learned in class & online)
PROCESS for: WWPH—TV “NEWS” PACKAGE: (15)
STEPS / Evaluation Checkpoints:
(You must get approval for each step before moving to the next step)
_____STEP 1: Read the assigned ONLINE RESOURCES about packages. View Samples!!!
_____STEP 2: INFORMAL PITCH CONFERENCE: Get your idea approved by the teacher:
_____STEP 3: FORMAL PITCH (very detailed): (Must be approved by the due date)
Type a detailed pitch using the TV Package Pitch template on the web site (only fill in
relevant sections). Print and put the pitch into the IN-Basket AND put a digital copy into
the IN-Basket on the server.
_____STEP 4: INTERVIEWS: (Appointment details and sequential, open-ended questions.)
E-mail to the designated mentor the details for your interview appointment
(date, time, etc.) and your sequential open-ended questions (3 or more per topic),
which must reflect the Top 10 Interview Tips and the Advanced Interview Tips
found online. There is no template for this step but your interview prep must follow this
INTERVIEW PREP FORMAT: (5 or more topics) Each topic: at least 2 links/sources;
3 sentence summary; 3 or more open-ended questions in a logical sequence.
_____STEP 5: Waiver Forms:
You MAY NOT SHOOT without these.
Show your designated mentor BEFORE SHOOTING, but keep them in a safe place.
_____STEP 6: B-Roll & SOTs: Discuss strategy & technique with your designated mentor.
Shoot all B-Roll and the interview (for SOTs).
_____STEP 7: Rough Script: Read the in-class storytelling packet. (Ask Mr. Allison for it.)
View script samples, and then use the online TV script template. Print and put the
script into the IN-Basket AND put a digital copy into the IN-Basket on the server.
_____STEP 8: Rough Edited Package (with all elements)
Get feedback from your designated mentor, revise and then finalize.
_____STEP 9:
FINAL TV NEWS PACKAGE:
(Approved to be aired)
Hand in your final Package. Follow all current hand in
procedures. Hand in all Paperwork: digital AND printed (into
the IN-Baskets)
*** Deadlines are the last possible day for credit. NO CREDIT unless on that day it has already been
TEACHER- APPROVED TO BE AIRED. All feedback & revision must come before deadline day. ***