TV Terms to Know                                    Back to Tips Menu

Lee Hood, University of Colorado

General terms

SLUG -- Story title.  It is only for in-house use; your audience does not see it.

LEAD -- The beginning of the story.  Gets the viewers' interest.  Does not include the kind of detail a newspaper lead often does.

LEAD-IN -- Separate term to denote the anchor's introduction to a package or live shot.

TAG -- A conclusion to the story.  Most often used after a package or other visual element.  A useful tool to tell a part of the story for which you don't have video.

Story types

READER -- Story without visuals (except, it may use a box graphic over the anchor's shoulder).  Generally, should not be longer than :30.  Also may be called a "copy" story.

VOICE-OVER -- Also called a v/o or "vo".  Anchor reads live over some type of visual, whether videotape, full-screen graphic, etc.

SOT -- Sound on tape.  Indicates a sound bite.  Most often be seen with some type of v/o.

PACKAGE -- Self-contained report on videotape.  May also be called a "wrap".  Generally is a reporter's voice with visuals, sound bites and natural sound all edited together.

"DONUT" or INSERT -- Sometimes used to describe a pre-produced package within a reporter live shot.

ANCHOR TRACK -- This is also a package, but it is the anchor voicing it instead of the reporter.  Not to be confused with a voice-over that the anchor reads live.

REMOTE or LIVE SHOT -- A report aired live from a location other than the studio.

SET PIECE -- Reporter introduces his/her story (often a package) from the news set.  Includes interplay with the anchor(s).

Technical Elements

BOX GRAPHIC -- The graphic seen over the anchor's shoulder.  Helps the viewer identify the story context.  Also may be called a live box, keyed insert, or other terms.

CHROMAKEY -- Indicates video will be superimposed electronically over a colored screen (usually green or blue).  Most often seen with weather maps and other studio special effects.

CHYRON -- Also known as CG, vidifont, font, super, etc.  Indicates words used on the screen.

ENG -- Electronic newsgathering.  Often used to indicate use of videotape.