PackagesThe Backbone

of

Contemporary TV Newscasts

Types of TV News Stories Package (PKG):

Great advantage: Precision of editing pictures, sound, and

narration.

50 seconds - 3:00 + in length. Depends on the overall quality of

the story (importance, visual appeal, strong writing, etc.).

Provides depth and complexity.

Demonstrates firsthand knowledge.

Package (PKG):

An edited, self-contained videotape report of a news event or feature

complete with pictures, soundbites, voice-over narration, and natural

sounds.

The package is a form of narrative story telling with a beginning, middle,

and ending.

+

Research!Secondary SourcesNewspapers InternetRecordsBooks

Primary Sources Informal/off-camera interviews with informed

people of multiple vantage points conducted via email, phone, or in person

Writing PackagesElements of a Package:

Focus or Commitment

Beginning: Anchor (or Studio) Intro

Package Lead:

Narrative Lead

Visual Lead (+ nat. sound)

Middle: 3-4 Main Points (stay focused!)

Writing Packages End:

Final narrative

Final visual (+ nat. sound)

Anchor Tag:

A concluding thought

A bit of information not included in the package

Provides transition to next story.

Writing Packages Anchor Intro:

Write it first, not last!

Must pass the “so what” test.

Must include enough information to let viewers know why they

should watch (2-3 sentences minimum), but not so much that

they already know the outcome.

Can be written as “hard lead” or “soft lead.”

Writing Packages Focus:

In one simple, vivid, declarative sentence:

What is this story about?

Why should viewers care?

What is the essential message your

story should convey?

What should viewers remember?

Writing Packages Visual Lead:

Most important or compelling video.

Item most likely to be remembered later (along with closing

visual).

Natural Sound is critical!

Make me care. Make me want to pay attention.

What is the focus of that story?

Hunter

Pond

Dog

Duck

Iggie, the one-legged duck, is a survivor. In spite of

being born with only one leg, he continues to outwit

predators of all kinds at the Wheeler Wildlife

Refuge. Park official, Tom Smith, believes he may

be more wiley than any cartoon character. (Cut to

interview with Tom…) Iggie’s left flipper helps him

to swim, but it certainly doesn’t help him walk.

Writing Packages Narrative Lead and Script:

Don’t force it. Be patient.

Write sparsely.

Don’t state the obvious – let pictures and sound help you tell the story.

Know when to shush.

Communicate with photographer/editor.

Stay focused.

Writing Packages Anchor Tag:

Don’t repeat – unless it’s vital.

Use information that’s interesting, but perhaps slightly off focus.

Write with an eye toward future developments.

Provide closure / conclusion / transition.