For this assignment, you must produce a multi media story containing elements of investigative journalism. This includes a video film (a TV news package), an audio podcast and a written magazine article which is professionally laid out.
Here you will see examples of what a story might look and sound like when it’s finished. But please note that this is based on a very simple story with very little in the way of investigative journalism. We expect much more from you, including verifiable facts and views from both sides of the argument.
TV Package
Your TV package should contain arguments for and against the subject. While all of this example has been done on location, you are expected to utilise the TV studio in college as well. For example, you could use the studio for a live debate about what’s just been shown. Or you could introduce different clips from the studio chair, splicing them together with content filmed on location. We also expect a vox pop
Audio Podcast
Audio works differently from TV, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t combine some of the material you’ve filmed outside into the podcast itself. You’re aiming for a 5 minute episode – which may sound like a big ask. But by using lots of links and background facts, you’ll soon fill the time.
We’ve created this example using parts of the TV package, and also including a live interview. The clips are relatively short – I would suggest that yours need to be slightly longer. Use conversational language throughout, and remember that your podcast needs a structure – which should ideally contain
- A theme tune of your choice
- An introduction, ensuring you clearly identify the presenters
- Links that contain names of guests featured – you should always identify who is speaking unless it’s a vox pop
- A half-way “tease” or “call to action”, where you remind listeners who you are and what they’re hearing
- A pay off at the end, thanking people for listening and once again promoting your brand.
Here’s an example of the podcast, with the accompanying script below.
Magazine Article
You are already familiar with how magazine articles work. Here. we are looking for a narrative story based on your investigation, with plenty of strong quotes from your interviews. You might do this by creating a transcript, or working with your colleagues who are editing the TV and audio elements – this kind of collaboration will save time.
Your article should be professionally laid out using Adobe InDesign, which you have already been taught how to use.
Checklist
- Remember – every member of the team must submit all three elements of the assignment. Missing one out will mean losing marks.
- The key to this task is collaboration and team work. Make sure you communicate with your team all the time to track where each element is going.
- Although you will have been assigned a role (or two roles), you should also expect to help out others when needed. This might include standing in for someone who is absent, or sharing files and materials with others.
- You should ensure you keep track of everything all the time. This is why your Production Diary is so important. Consider creating a checklist of each required task and noting names and deadlines next to them. Good planning will lead to good outcomes.
kevinstanley.blog 