TCM-261: Broadcast Journalism

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Communication & Media
Department
Telecommunications
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Telecommunication
Course Number
261
Course Title
Broadcast Journalism
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description

A real life experience, guided by a Telecommunication instructor, in broadcast news writing for the mediums of radio and television. Working as a reporter on the news staff of WHFR-FM 89.3, the student-staffed station of Henry Ford College, the student is expected to weekly contribute quality broadcast news stories: written copy, copy with actualities, and prerecorded interviews.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. What is "News"?
  2. Print and online sources and areas of research for broadcast news
  3. Mechanics of Radio and Television News Writing
  4. Radio news story and show production for WHFR Radio
  5. Newsroom tasks and the role of the News Director
  6. Media Laws and Ethics for newswriting
  7. Actualities: recording, editing and proper layout
  8. Interviewing
  9. Television news packages
  10. News through social media
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Analyze and debate the topic of what constitutes "news" in a media literate society.
  2. Develop and integrate the research and rewrite of print and other sources required for broadcast news stories.
  3. Interpret and evaluate the standard mechanical form and style of broadcast new stories
  4. Write, revise and produce by deadline standard broadcast news stories per weekly class news show to fit the mission of WHFR's format.
  5. Explain and demonstrate the job of News Director for at least one class news broadcast.
  6. Evaluate a minimum of 5 class news broadcasts for legal and ethical consequences and industry standards.
  7. Record and edit actualities, incorporated into news stories, submitted by deadline, over the class broadcast period.
  8. Conduct, record, and edit if necessary one 3-5 minute radio interview for potential airing on WHFR.
  9. Create a television news package script to reflect at minimum industry standards.
  10. Discuss and debate ongoing how social media is affecting the knowledge base of our news interpretation as a society.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • Tests on the pertinent theoretical and critical knowledge.
  • Critique and grading of "newsworthiness and airability" of story choices and mechanics each week.
  • Review of portfolio of final draft of all scripts produced, including sound bites and TV package if applicable.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Skilled Demonstration Details

Skilled demonstration, given in department by department faculty. Faculty will assess demonstration based on evaluation rubric. Evaluation rubric and student checklist located in The School of Liberal Arts office.

Portfolio Review Details

Portfolio must contain evidence that illustrates competency in all course learning objectives not already measured through the skilled demonstration. Department faculty will evaluate submitted portfolios based on the evaluation rubric. Evaluation rubric and student checklist located in The School of Liberal Arts office.

Effective Term
Winter 2022