As soon as broadcast journalists steps into the newsroom and about to report breaking news, it is always a moment that separating mere readers from those who are the “true leaders” from the pack. The best and top anchors as well as “live” reporters may seem to make their job easy but in reality, it is the complete opposite. Aside from having a firm and good voice, proper delivery and professional look, those who are at the top-tier of broadcasting are capable of reporting news without script.
React and Respond
These journalists are communicating with comfort, clarity and command particularly when a story is fast developing that following formats and using scripts become useless. Acquiring skills without script is something that is built overtime. It falls on several aspects like:
- Critical thinking
- Continuous learning and;
- Mental agility
If you want to become a journalist and be an expert like the ones you saw on TVs today, then here are few imperative tips to be taken into account.
Knowledge Base
Basically, this is your own understanding of names, geography, issues, history as well as your ability of putting everything in perspective for the viewers to see it in an easy to understand manner.
All of this comes from the commitment and dedication of a journalist to be the best in their craft.
When reporting and delivering news, especially if it is live, you never know when new information would come in. For this reason, journalists also have to be quick and adaptable in sorting, prioritizing, organizing and retaining huge volume of data.
Ethics
Now when it comes to journalism, there is this thing called “ethical journalism”. The sensitivity to live breaking news, graphic video, unconfirmed information, words that may cause panic, endanger security and or safety of the public or words that may add pain to traumatized victims are what being considered here. As a journalist, it is your responsibility to deliver the news in a neutral manner and still show sympathy without having to cross someone’s feelings, emotions or state.
For example, if the subject of the news are mother and daughter tattoos who got involved in an accident, then you would not say that it is just the right thing for them because of their tattoos, right? Still, you have to get through the real score of the story and report it to the viewers in an informative and organized manner.