This workshop sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It’s been created for those starting out in TV journalism and those with some experience.
The workshop is presented in two formats, both using the same source material from Media Helping Media. The first is a two-hour workshop designed for those who are already familiar with the topic but who would like to deepen their understanding. The second is a four-hour, half-day workshop for those who are new to the topic. Trainers are invited to select the format that best meets the needs of those they are training.
The core material for this outline is derived from the MHM training article, constructing a tv news package, which focuses on the essential steps and techniques required for producing a cohesive and compelling news package for television broadcast. We recommend the article is sent to participants ahead of the workshop.
Workshop outline 1: Two-hour session
09:00–10:00 – Session 1: Planning and gathering the story
- Aims:
- To define the foundational questions for any news story (who, what, when, where, why, how).
- To establish effective planning and shooting techniques for TV news.
- To practise asking effective interview questions that yield useful soundbites.
- Presentation: Trainer introduces the ‘First steps’ of journalism by asking the core questions: Who is the subject? What are they doing? Why, and what is their motive? Explain that a deep understanding of the ‘underlying causes and consequences’ is vital for good reporting. Discuss the ‘Next steps’ of news-gathering, specifically planning the story with the camera operator and deciding on the shots you are going to need.
- Activity: Trainees work in pairs (Reporter/Camera Operator) and are given a short news scenario. They must apply the ‘First steps’ questions and create a detailed ‘Shot list development’ plan, including action, establishing, and cutaway shots. They should prioritise capturing emotion and action.
- Discussion: Trainer leads a discussion on interview techniques. Explain that the skill is in the questions, specifically the need to avoid questions answerable with yes or no, and never asking two questions in one. Discuss the ethical need for fairness and transparency when dealing with interviewees.
10:00–11:00 – Session 2: Editing and packaging the story
- Aims:
- To understand the process of consulting with an editor and agreeing on story treatment.
- To master the principle of using pictures to tell the story first.
- To identify the four key elements of a well-structured news package (hook, context, unfolding, wrap).
- Presentation: Trainer presents the ‘Back at the office’ and ‘At the edit station’ steps. Emphasise the importance of consulting the editor and agreeing on treatment. Stress the need to ‘choose the pictures first’ to identify the shots which best tell the story, deciding their optimum length and correct sequence (which may not be the recording order). Discuss the importance of impartiality when selecting soundbites to ensure all significant perspectives are considered.
- Activity: ‘Packaging structure analysis’. Trainees are shown a 90-second news package example. They must analyse it against the ‘well-structured news package’ elements: Hook (compelling opening), Context (background), Unfolding (main details/perspectives), Wrap (summary/look ahead). They must critique the visual continuity and variety of shots, checking for ‘editing dos and don’ts’.
- Discussion: Trainer facilitates a discussion on scripting. Explain the core rule: ‘Script – add as few words as possible to complement the picture.’ Discuss the ethics of ensuring accuracy when adding narration, especially when condensing complex information.
Assignment:
Trainees are to independently plan, shoot, and edit a short, 60-90 second TV news package based on a local event or a pre-provided set of footage. The package must clearly demonstrate a defined ‘Hook’, ‘Context’, ‘Unfolding’, and ‘Wrap’, and should be accompanied by their initial ‘Shot list development’ plan. They must focus on capturing action and emotion, and ensure their script is concise and complements the visual storytelling.
Materials needed for the workshop:
- Handouts summarising interview types and essentials.
- Example interview transcripts.
- Research resources (internet or printouts).
- Recording devices (optional, for mock interviews).
Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Quality of drafted questions and peer feedback.
- Performance in mock interviews and reflection.
Workshop outline 2: Four-hour session
09:00–10:00 – Session 1: Defining the story and its visual needs
- Aims:
- To introduce the concept of a TV news package and its essential elements.
- To identify the core story elements (who, what, when, where, why, how).
- To begin the process of ‘Defining the narrative arc’ and creating a visual plan.
- Presentation: Trainer clearly defines what a news package is. Explain the process begins with ‘First steps’ – asking fundamental questions: Who is the central figure(s)? What is the core event? Why is this story important? What is its relevance to the audience? Explain ‘Defining the narrative arc’: determining the central theme and structure to engage the viewer. Discuss the importance of checking one’s own bias when framing the narrative arc.
- Activity: Trainees are given three potential news topics. In small groups, they must select one and apply the ‘First steps’ checklist to it, uncovering motivations and key developments. They then must draft a one-sentence ‘central theme’ for their chosen story.
- Discussion: Trainer leads a group critique of the drafted central themes, focusing on clarity and relevance. Introduce the ‘Next steps’ of consulting with the camera operator and deciding what shots will be needed to tell the chosen story.
10:00–11:00 – Session 2: Mastering visual gathering and interviewing
- Aims:
- To learn to identify and capture the essential visual elements required for a package (‘At the scene’).
- To practise techniques for asking open-ended questions that generate strong soundbites.
- To understand the ethical considerations of filming sensitive subjects.
- Presentation: Trainer details the required shots: action shots, establishing shots, walking shots, noddies (reaction shots), and cutaways. Emphasise filming faces, especially those showing emotion, and the critical need to avoid getting to the edit suite without the shots you need. Discuss the importance of respecting
- Activity: ‘Interviewing for soundbites’. Trainees work in threes (Interviewer, Interviewee, Observer). The Interviewer must use the essential questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how’, avoiding yes/no or double questions. The Observer notes the effectiveness of the questions and the quality of the answers (soundbites) for later editing.
- Discussion: Trainer reviews observations. Discuss why soundbites should contain opinion over information. Highlight how strong questioning and transparent dealings are part of journalistic integrity.
11:00-11:15 – Break
11:15–12:45 – Session 3: Editing, consultation, and narrative structure
- Aims:
- To formalise the post-shooting process (‘Back at the office’).
- To apply the golden rule of editing: pictures first, script second.
- To construct a narrative using the Hook, Context, Unfolding, and Wrap structure.
- Presentation: Trainer covers ‘Back at the office’ and ‘At the edit station’. Explain the process: ‘Make a shot-list’, ‘Show your editor the pictures’, and ‘Agree on the treatment’. Present the four elements of a well-structured package: The hook (a compelling opening), The context (background), The unfolding (main details), and The wrap (summary). Review the ‘Editing dos and don’ts’: use a variety of shots, maintain visual continuity (smooth transitions), and prioritise the narrative flow.
- Activity: ‘Sequencing the narrative’. Trainees are given a set of sample shots/soundbites. They must map out the sequence for a 90-second package, ensuring the ‘Hook’ is compelling and the ‘Wrap’ summarises the main points. They must also choose the best sequence (not necessarily in which they were recorded).
- Discussion: Trainer leads a discussion on managing sensitive visuals. Discuss the risk of causing offence and the need for sensitivity when reporting challenging news, considering cultural context.
12:45–13:00 – Session 4: Final packaging and review
- Aims:
- To synthesise all elements into the final ‘Packaging’ stage.
- To reinforce the principle of minimal narration (concise scripting).
- To summarise the ‘Important considerations’ for production.
- Presentation: Trainer reiterates the ‘Packaging’ steps: Understand (the story and pictures needed), Capture (action, emotion, atmosphere), Discuss (treatment with editor), Edit (use pictures to tell story), and Script (add as few words as possible). Review the full cycle.
- Activity: ‘Scripting challenge’. Trainees write the opening ‘Hook’ and closing ‘Wrap’ narration for their sequenced package, aiming for maximum impact in minimal words, using only what is necessary to complement the visuals.
- Discussion: Final Q&A session. Review the ‘Important considerations’ (Understand, Capture, Discuss, Edit, Script) as a final checklist before submitting work.
Assignment:
Trainees are to independently plan, shoot, and edit a short, 60-90 second TV news package based on a local event or a pre-provided set of footage. The package must clearly demonstrate a defined ‘Hook’, ‘Context’, ‘Unfolding’, and ‘Wrap’, and should be accompanied by their initial ‘Shot list development’ plan. They must focus on capturing action and emotion, and ensure their script is concise and complements the visual storytelling.
Materials needed for the workshop:
- Handouts summarising interview types and essentials.
- Example interview transcripts.
- Research resources (internet or printouts).
- Recording devices (optional, for mock interviews).
Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Quality of drafted questions and peer feedback.
- Performance in mock interviews and reflection.
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