School of Communication

Dept. of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations

JRNL 15B – Broadcast News Writing and Reporting

Fall 2007

W 6:30p – 9:30p

Demst 122

Professor Robert A. Papper

Office: NAB 406

Office Hours: MW 3:30p – 5p

Phone: 463-5226

Email: robert.papper@hofstra.edu

Introduction and Course Organization

This course emphasizes the theory and practice of writing for broadcast journalism media - specifically radio and television. Through lectures, exercises and specific hands-on experience, students are exposed to the language, ethics and philosophy of writing for radio and television news.

Success in broadcast journalism – and journalism in general -- depends more upon your ability to write than any other skill. While you must be able to gather and assimilate information, those abilities are meaningless unless you're able to convey that material in an accurate, coherent, and interesting manner. Good writing means guaranteed employment.

Simply mastering the "broadcast style" isn't enough. The best journalists can do more. They draw pictures and images with words. That's just as true in television as in radio, and it's what you should be at least starting to do when you finish this course.

During the semester, we'll discuss a variety of issues concerning broadcast journalism. We'll talk about reporting, station operation, formats, technical operations, and more. But mostly, you'll write ... and write ... and write ... and write some more.

Goals

• Students will understand and develop critical skills in news broadcasting.

• Students will explore the ethics of news broadcasting.

• Students will comprehend and anticipate the evolving technology of the modern newsroom.

• Students will develop a concise, eloquent broadcast style for these media.

Objectives

• Students will be able to analyze the producing process.

• Students will develop the ability to write for the listener and viewer.

• Students will develop their research and reporting skills.

• Students will learn to time scripts with accuracy.

• Students will execute professional news judgment.

• Students will enhance their skills in copy editing their own work and that of others.

Classes, Text, and Supplies

Classes will be divided into: lectures/discussions; required readings and assignments; outside speakers and events; quizzes; and a final project.

Show up on time and participate. You (or your parents) paid for it ... and I want you to get your money's worth. And it's required. Attendance is taken at the START of every class. The portion of your grade for attendance and participation depends on BOTH attendance AND participation. Attendance at ALL classes is expected. You will be penalized a full letter grade for the course for EACH unexcused absence starting with number three, but EVERY absence will affect your grade. Arriving at class late counts as half an absence.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.

Required text: Broadcast News Writing Stylebook, third ed., by Robert A. Papper, published by Allyn & Bacon, Boston, 2006.

Articles will also be assigned during the term, and you’re expected to read daily newspapers, news magazines, and almost anything else that contains information. You're also expected to watch various local and network newscasts and news magazine programs and to monitor radio news.

Writing Assignments

This is a writing course, so expect lots of it -- and lots of rewriting, too. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED. I don't care whether you print it on a laser, dot matrix, inkjet, or offset press, your work must be clean and easily readable. I don't read hand-written assignments. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE DOUBLE SPACED (unless the standard form of the assignment calls for different spacing).

All assignments are due at the start of the appropriate class. I DO NOT GRADE LATE WORK. I DO NOT GIVE MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS. EVER.

Quizzes and Exams

Good News and Bad News: There will be no midterm or final exams. That's because we'll be so busy with weekly quizzes and lots of writing.

As a general rule, expect a quiz at the start of every class. You're responsible for material covered in the previous class’s lectures/discussions, assigned readings due that day and CURRENT EVENTS IN THE NEWS (from Monday’s Newsday).

Final Project

We’ll talk about this … probably in the second class.

Speaker/Event Attendance

Each student will attend at least three outside speakers or events – all of which must contain some news value (in other words, generally not music or sports). For each event or speaker (none of which may be part of this or another class), you are to write a 30-second news story highlighting what the speaker said or what happened in the event that was newsworthy.

Grading

Your final grade will be determined by the quality and professionalism of your work:

General Assignments 45%

Quizzes 15%

Event attendance 10%

Final Project 20%

Attendance & Participation 10%

Almost everything you write will be rewritten, and work done later in the term counts more than earlier material, but everything counts.

General

The class schedule outlined below is flexible, depending on your progress and needs. However, unless specifically stated in class, all assignments and readings are due as listed. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time or raise issues relevant to the lecture, our discussion, or the media in general. If you have questions or problems you want to discuss, please see me anytime during office hours or make an appointment.