Broadcast Journalism

Aims and objectives

The aims of this subject include familiarising students with the major theories, concepts and methods used in the practice of broadcast journalism and to introduce students to the basic skills required to undertake news reporting for radio and television.

Teaching methods

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment

Class exercises 25%, Contribution to news team 25%, Major project 50%

Generic skills outcomes

Students are expected to develop a number of graduate attributes, resulting in graduates who are:

• Capable in their chosen professional areas
• Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations
• Adaptable and manage change
• Aware of local and international environments.
  Students are expected to develop the following generic skills:
• Research skills
• Logical and critical thinking skills
• Thinking in theoretical terms
• Appreciation of the history of ideas
• Awareness of personal and ethical values
• Written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Competence to use library and other information sources
• Public speaking skills
• Teamwork skills
• Ability to elicit information from others
• Planning skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to use computers
• Preparation for thesis work

Content

This subject exposes students to broadcast journalism writing styles for radio and television news and public affairs reporting.  Students gain practical training and experience in voice production and digital radio studio production, and the use of hard disk recorders, editing suites, the recorder phone and television news scriptwriting.  Students are involved in the daily news output of local news and current affairs.  Legal, professional and ethical issues in relation to broadcast journalistic practice are also discussed.