News Terminology
This term refers to the reporter's narration over video footage without on-screen appearance.
What is Voice Over?
The hand signal for "Two Minutes" remaining in the segment.
What is holding up two fingers?
The verbal cue given just before going live to prepare the team.
What is Standby?
The action of instantly switching from one camera shot to another.
What is Cut?
The process of reviewing scripts for errors in clarity and grammar before air.
What is Proofreading?
A short clip of audio from an interviewee, often used in a story.
What is Sound Bite?
Signal meaning "Speed Up" to hurry the talent's delivery.
What is rapidly waving hands inward?
The cue to switch to a specific camera, like "Take 2."
What is Take Camera?
Gradually blending from one image to another for a smooth transition.
What is Dissolve?
Key newsroom role responsible for writing and organizing scripts from newswire stories.
Who is the Scriptwriter or Producer?
This combines narration over video with a sound bite inserted.
What is Voice Over/Sound on Tape?
The countdown signal starting from "Ten Seconds," often verbal or with fingers.
What is Ten-Second Countdown?
Camera movement cue for rotating left or right on a fixed axis.
What is Pan?
Inserting on-screen text like names or titles during the broadcast.
What is Insert Graphics?
Ethical principle requiring a balance of international, national, local, and sports stories.
What is Fair Coverage/Balance?
Background audio from the scene, like crowd noise, to add realism.
What is Natural Sound?
Signal for "Stretch," telling talent to slow down and fill time.
What is pulling hands apart slowly?
Cue for moving the camera physically closer or farther from the subject.
What is Dolly?
The action of slowly darkening the screen to end a segment.
What is Fade to Black?
On-air etiquette tip: Choose clothing in solid colors to avoid camera distortion.
What is Selecting Appropriate Colors/Style?
The safe zone on screen where graphics and text should appear to avoid cutoff on TVs.
What is Safe Area?
Complex signal for "Wrap" followed by "Break," indicating end of show and commercial.
What is Circling finger then slicing throat or similar?
Audio cue like "Out Cue" to signal the end of a sound bite.
What are Out Cues?
Combining audio fade with visual transition, like in music segments.
What is Crossfade?
Scenario: If a story lacks sources, ethics demand you ask for clarification—part of this competency.
What is Asking Appropriate Questions?