JN2301 - Introduction to Broadcast Journalism

Students are introduced to radio and television journalism, and to the new roles that these media now fill on the web. Students are introduced to broadcast equipment, such as microphones and cameras; they learn how to record voice, how to perform basic broadcast editing, and how to produce audio packages. Students are introduced to the basics of camerawork, and of how to present stories in a visual way. Tutorial exercises develop broadcast newswriting, sound gathering, camera work, interviewing, voice production, vocal style and audio and video editing skills. Students produce pieces for the JCU digital media platform. The subject develops generic journalistic skills and cultural literacy, hones newswriting skills learnt in earlier subjects, and encourages students to develop distinct ways of presenting journalistic stories.

Learning Outcomes

• ability to write effectively in the distinct broadcast form and understand how it differs from writing in other media;
• develop sufficient skills to produce and present news packages for a real radio program;
• develop skills in camera work and news packaging for television;
• develop skills in voice production, electronic news editing and cultural literacy;
• develop an understanding of the theory of broadcast news.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.