Fieldwork

Along with developing writing and reporting skills, journalists should acquire some basic technical and production skills, such as how to use video cameras and editing software. These skills are necessary in the increasingly competitive world of broadcast journalism, particularly when field reporters are sent out alone to get the story. Some stations have always required reporters to shoot their own stories, interviews, and stand-up reports and then bring that material back to edit on their own. At some of these stations, the reporters may even anchor the news and introduce the packages they have shot and edited. The advantage of working at small stations is that you get to do everything and, therefore, have an opportunity to learn how to do everything. Still, there are benefits in interacting with a professional videographer in the field. The videographer is another set of eyes in the field, seeing images that the reporter may miss. They can troubleshoot most technical problems, drive the news van while the reporter reviews footage, and serve as a sounding board for story angles and possible interview questions. This chapter introduces some of the technical tools used in broadcast news and the skills necessary to operate them. The first part of this chapter examines the equipment used in the field, while the second part concentrates on the techniques used to obtain the best video and audio possible. Finally, we’ll examine the logistical differences when working with a videographer or when operating alone.