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Reporting
Reporter "Stand Up"
A "stand up" is a big deal for a television news reporter. It is their chance to be seen interacting with the material they are reporting. Unlike television news anchors who get plenty of face time, reporters are limited to a few short seconds per show. It is therefore essential for television news reporters to make the most of their "stand ups." When "stand ups" are done well they enhance a reporters fame and reputation. When "stand ups" are done poorly they make the reporter look like an amateur.
It is important to think about the placement of your "stand up" in your story first. Determine whether your "stand up" will be an introduction, bridge, or close to your television news story. Some stories have more than one "stand up" in them. A "live shot" or a "look live" will have at least two. One is before the video while the other is after.
Legitimize your "stand up." Provide a reason you are being seen on TV. The reporter should be demonstrating something or providing context or a comparison in their "stand up." Don't just stand there and talk.
Refer to your surroundings in your "stand up" script. Explain as well as demonstrate as you appear on camera. Think of the camera as a person then show the camera what your want them to see.
Consider what will be said before and after your "stand up" appears in your television news story. This way your "stand up" will make sense in context. If you introduce a fact in your "stand up" that was previously stated in your story you will look foolish. Completely think through the structure of your television news story before shooting your "stand up."
Make your stand up active. Whenever possible walk and talk. However, be sure you legitimize why you are walking. Try transitioning from one location to another or give perspective by leading the camera down a path. You can also pick up objects, climb over things, and demonstrate. Show viewers some action.
Look your best by understanding how you are being photographed. Hair, makeup and clothes can only do so much to make you look good on camera. Be sure the light is shining on your face and there aren't shadows obscuring you. If there are shadows ask for a fill light or reflector. Make sure the camera is at least 6 feet away from you. The closer a camera is the wider you will appear. Be sure to ask how you are being framed. Head and shoulders are always good. Full body is flattering if you have a nice body. Don't let them shoot you just below the hips unless you want to look like a bowling pin.
Know exactly what you are going to say in your "stand up" before asking the photographer to shoot it. Nothing angers a photographer faster than a reporter who doesn't know what to say or can't remember what they wrote. Try to do your "stand up" in one take then do it again as a backup. You never know when an unexpected technical problem will mess up the first perfect take. If you have doubts ask the photographer to play it back in the camera so you can watch it. Just make sure he doesn't record over it.
Active Television News Live Shots
Active television news live shots are the bread and butter of the industry. No news director will hire you if you can't do a smooth live shot. If you perform active television news live shots with ease, you are sure to impress.
Take a look around before you write your story. If you know that you will be doing a live shot you should plan the live portion first. See if the scene where you will be live has visuals you can refer to or props you can use to demonstrate. Use that as the starting point and write the rest of the story around it.
Set the scene. When anchors toss to the reporter the first thing they want to know is "what's the latest?" Start with the big picture. Have the camera pull out wide and show what is happening around you. Skip this if you are in a generic place or the empty surroundings will embarrass you because the crowd left hours ago.
Talk to the camera. Visualize that you are speaking to a single person who is behind the camera. Talk directly to that person maintaining eye contact much of the time. Then lead that person around the scene showing them what they should see. Notice I said showing and not telling. Telling is for radio.
Use all 360 degrees. Don't limit yourself to the narrow range of a slightly panning camera. Have the photographer put the camera on their shoulder and follow you around. If there are things to see around you, walk in a circle around the photographer. The viewers at home will then get the full picture. Only have the photographer shoot your live shot on a tripod if the shot must be static or they are zooming into something far away.
Demonstrate perspective. Whenever possible show the viewers contrast. Standing next to something huge helps them understand how big it is. Walking from a burned field to an untouched house a few feet away demonstrates how close it came to the flames.
Do something. If it is possible, try whatever the live shot is about. If you are at a festival jump on a ride or have a corn dog. If you are at an animal shelter pet the dog and pick up the kittens. If you are at the aftermath of a tornado pick up some debris. You can also ask those you interview in your live shot to do something appropriate.
Finish strong. If you have a package in the middle of your live shot then plan different actions for the lead and the close. Try different locations or demonstrations. Be sure to leave the anchors in awe so that they can talk about what you just showed them in a two shot.
Practice your live shot with your photographer before you go on the air. You both need to know what the other will do. It is a partnership.
Live means that there are no second chances. Be sure you have a solid plan and that you don't mess it up. Minimize factors that could be potential problems like crowds, back lighting and power cords someone could trip over. You don't want problems when you are live on the air.
Developing Television News Sources
A television news anchor or reporter needs sources to be a true journalist. Their relationship with sources defines them as a reporter, and not merely a television talent. Anyone can cover a staged even spoon fed to them with a press release. A real reporter digs up news with the help of sources. Developing sources is a long term project. It involves forming relationships with hundreds of people over many years.
Hand out business cards to everyone you meet. They are all potential news sources. Keep an ample supply of business cards on you at all times. Encourage everyone to call you first if they have a news tip or story idea. Send them to your work voice mail so you can sift through calls and prioritize. Reserve your cellular phone number for only the most reliable sources.
Follow up with your sources. You will get plenty of news tips that are a waste of time. Treat each person who calls with respect. The fact that they took the time to call you shows their willingness to confide in you. Return all calls within a day regardless of who made them. You never know when the source who gives you years of irrelevant tips suddenly comes through with a winner.
Keep a meticulous Rolodex. Every time you get a business card or contact phone number, put it in your files. Every time you do a story with a source make a note of it. This will provide a record of your dealings with the source. As time goes by you can use this information to weigh the reliability of your source.
Build relationships and trust with your sources. Understand that they have an agenda just like you. There will be times when they want you to do a story that you aren't particularly excited about. If there is some news value in it you may want to do the story as a "favor." This way they will owe you a favor someday. Likewise, if they do you a favor first be sure to return it someday.
Go to your sources when a story fits their expertise. If you categorize your Rolodex by subject then you can easily find a source that fits any story. Call for help on the appropriate stories and offer them an opportunity to contribute. Whenever possible make it seem like you are doing them a favor even when they are helping you. It is always better to have sources owe you. Only cash in favors if a story is important and it is the only way to get inside information or access.
Burn a source only as a last resort. It takes a long time to develop a good news source. If you expose them or cause them harm then you will be seen as the bad guy. Not only will they never trust you again, other sources wont either. If you are going to burn a source it better be worth the price you will pay with your reputation.
