by Beth Johnson | Jan 21, 2013 | App Articles, Reporting, Survival Kit, Videography, Writing Help
Ever heard that phrase? Parroting bites is a common writing flaw in television news. It seems like such an obvious no-no, but it happens a lot. So let’s define it, to try and stop it from happening. Parroting bites, means repeating what the sound bite said in the...
by Beth Johnson | Oct 10, 2012 | App Articles, Know Your Newsroom, Videography
The reporter/photographer relationship is one of the most unique dynamics in the newsroom setting. Sometimes it’s the most joyous. Sometimes it’s the most volatile. Sometimes being on assignment feels like being with a “working wife/husband” while other times the...
by Beth Johnson | Sep 10, 2012 | App Articles, Survival Kit, Videography, Writing Help
Yes, you read the title of this article correctly. If you want a really great writing critique, ask the guys and gals who focus on the images. Why? Because, in television news, the words are dependent on the images. The video and sound should truly tell the story....
by Beth Johnson | Jul 18, 2011 | App Articles, Management Issues, Political Hotbed, Reporting, Videography
No way around it. This is an uncomfortable trend in many newsrooms right now. In fact, some companies are making it written policy. The good part: You get a sweet out of town assignment! The bad part: You have to pay the travel costs upfront, fill out an expense...
by Beth Johnson | Jun 22, 2011 | Anchoring, App Articles, Honing Skills, Producing, Reporting, Survival Kit, Videography
It’s a phrase that makes many journalists cringe and roll their eyes: “People, we need to think out of the box.” What does that mean? Well, it means don’t pitch the same story ideas over and over. It means the station wants more than police blotter stories. It also...
by Beth Johnson | Jun 16, 2011 | App Articles, Getting Along With Peers, Know Your Newsroom, Political Hotbed, Reporting, Videography, Writing Help
Chinese philosopher Mencius said: "Friendship is one mind in two bodies." This is the basis of why I tell young and/or inexperienced reporters that their best “friends” in a newsroom should be the photographers they work closely with every day. Being of...
