¨ Job Descriptions
PRODUCER
You are in charge of all aspects of the newscast -- formatting the rundown, assigning stories and teases to be written (or writing them yourself), designating times for stories and coordinating with reporters, timing the newscast, making sure tapes and CG sheets are turned in, and any other details which may need taken care of. The producer needs to arrive to class earlier than everyone else -- around 7:30 a.m. You are expected to read the newspapers, listen to news radio, and watch the local morning newscasts before you get in so you are aware of the day’s news stories. The producer has editorial authority in the control room during the newscast.
ASSISTANT PRODUCER
You assist with everything from writing to ripping scripts and organizing videotapes – whatever duties are assigned by the producer. The A.P. is responsible for collecting CG sheets and getting them to the CG operator and director, as well as collecting and organizing the videotapes.
REPORTER
You will report and voice a package, which must be ready for air by 8:45 a.m. the day of the newscast. Please note: That means the anchor lead, CG sheet, and edited tape are turned in and ready to go at 8:45. The story should generally be approximately 1:30-2:00 on tape. (Remember: You need to receive script approval before editing your package!) You share responsibility with the photographer for getting the package edited. The morning of the newscast, you and your photographer will go out on an additional VO/SOT, VO, or “look-live” mini-package for the noon newscast.
PHOTOGRAPHER
You are responsible for shooting and editing a package with a reporter and carry the primary responsibility for the visual quality of the finished product. Both photographer and reporter should work together in the editing process, if possible. The morning of the newscast, you and the reporter will go out on an additional VO/SOT, VO, or “look-live” mini-package for the noon newscast.
COVER REPORTER
You are responsible for reporting and writing an in-depth story on a current topic. The story should run between 3:00 and 5:00, the final time negotiated with the show producer. We strongly suggest you go over your cover story idea with Lee, Paul or Robin as far in advance as possible. You share responsibility with the photographer for getting the package edited. The editing should be completed by 9 a.m. on the day of the newscast. You are also responsible for lining up in-studio interviews for the newscast. If the interview segment is related to your cover story package, your in-studio guest(s) should be different from the interviews in your package.
You are responsible for shooting the in-depth story. The photography on this story should be a notch above regular news stories, and you carry the primary responsibility for the visual quality of the finished product. You and the reporter should work together to edit the story, if possible. The editing should be completed by 9 a.m. on the day of the newscast. On the day the story airs, you should also be available to help fill in any gaps, including shooting last-minute video if the other photographers are not available. (Note: Duties will vary, depending on staffing.)
ANCHOR
You will be the on-air talent for the live half-hour newscast and our primary writing staff. In addition to writing any stories that are assigned to you (or other duties as needed), you should also review all stories and practice reading scripts as many times as possible before air.
SPORTS ANCHOR
You are responsible for writing, producing and delivering an effective sportscast. You should have a rundown ready to give to the newscast producer by 9:45 a.m. You are also responsible for getting your scripts in on time, turning in the appropriate CG sheets, and labeling all sports tapes. As with news, your sports segment should focus on CU and local sports events, rather than a rehash of national sports. It is advisable to plan on shooting and editing some of your own material. The more local video, the better!
SPORTS REPORTER
Same duties as news reporter. Also, assists sports anchor/producer on the day of the newscast.
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Same duties as news photographer. Also, assists sports anchor/producer on the day of the newscast.