Packages

Definition

In the context of television news, a package is a pre-recorded news story that combines video footage, narration, and sound bites. This format is essential for storytelling in a way that engages viewers, using visuals and audio to convey information effectively and emotionally. Packages are typically produced by reporters and can vary in length, usually ranging from one to three minutes, making them a staple in both local and national news broadcasts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Packages are essential for providing viewers with a complete story that includes visuals, context, and direct quotes from interviews.
2. Effective packages use a combination of B-roll and soundbites to create a dynamic narrative that holds the audience's attention.
3. The structure of a package typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, all crafted to maintain viewer engagement throughout.
4. Packages can be tailored for different formats, including broadcast news, online platforms, and social media, allowing for versatile storytelling.
5. Producers often emphasize clear and concise writing for packages since they are meant to be understood easily when heard rather than read.

Review Questions

• How do packages enhance storytelling in television news compared to traditional written formats?
  • Packages enhance storytelling by integrating visuals, audio, and narration into a cohesive piece that engages viewers on multiple levels. Unlike traditional written formats that rely solely on text, packages utilize B-roll footage and soundbites to provide context and emotional depth. This multimedia approach makes the story more relatable and memorable, as it appeals not just to logic but also to the audience's emotions.
• Discuss the role of B-roll and soundbites in creating an effective package. Why are they important?
  • B-roll and soundbites play critical roles in crafting an effective package by providing visual variety and authentic voices to the narrative. B-roll enriches the story by showing relevant images that complement what is being said in the narration. Soundbites add credibility and personal perspective from sources directly involved in the story. Together, they create a more compelling viewing experience that helps convey the message clearly while keeping viewers engaged.
• Evaluate how writing for packages differs from writing for print news articles. What specific strategies should be employed?
  • Writing for packages differs significantly from print news articles because it must be tailored for auditory consumption rather than visual reading. In packages, sentences should be shorter and more conversational to ensure clarity when spoken. Writers should focus on strong lead-ins that grab attention quickly and use vivid language that evokes imagery without relying on visual cues. Additionally, structure is crucial; writers must build a narrative arc that flows naturally while considering pacing for both visuals and narration.

Related terms

Voiceover: A voiceover is a narration added to video footage, often used to provide context or enhance storytelling without the narrator being seen on screen.

B-roll: B-roll refers to supplemental or alternative footage intercut with the main shot in a package, helping to visually support the story being told.

Soundbite: A soundbite is a short clip of speech or audio from an interview or event, used in packages to give a direct quote from a source and add authenticity to the story.