OVERVIEW:

Broadcast Journalism offers an engaging and hands-on exploration of the world of electronic news gathering and video journalism. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals and practical skills necessary to produce a weekly school-wide news broadcast. Throughout the course, students will learn about the historical evolution of broadcast journalism, ethical considerations, and media literacy. They will develop research techniques, interviewing skills, and the art of crafting compelling news stories.  Students will also acquire technical skills in camera operation, video editing, and on-camera presentation. They will learn to create visually appealing video content while developing effective communication strategies.

Writing for Broadcast introduces students to the art of writing news scripts and packages. They will learn the structure and format of broadcast writing, draft engaging headlines and leads, and adapt their writing styles for different media platforms. Emphasis will be placed on concise and informative storytelling that captivates and informs the audience. Student collaboration is showcased weekly in the form of a comprehensive school-wide news broadcast. 

The course is structured into six units, each focusing on key aspects of broadcast journalism. In the unit on News Gathering and Story Development, students will learn research techniques, interviewing skills, and the art of identifying newsworthy stories and angles. They will investigate reliable sources, analyze information, and develop compelling news packages.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and confidence to create impactful news stories, deliver compelling presentations, and contribute to the production of a professional news broadcast.

Weeks 1-5: Unit 1: Introduction to Broadcast Journalism

Weeks 6-11: Unit 2: News Gathering and Story Development

Weeks 12-17: Unit 3: Writing for Broadcast

Weeks 18-23: Unit 4: Video Production and Editing

Weeks 24-29: Unit 5: Presentation and Performance

Weeks 30-36: Unit 6: Advanced Storytelling and Capstone Project