Course Description and Goals
 
The purpose of this course is to teach the skills needed to produce medical television news reports for broadcast on Carolina Week, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s weekly television newscast. This class is a core course of the Medical Journalism Program. Also, please note that this syllabus is a dynamic document and may change at any time. Please consult this syllabus for reading and reporting assignments on a frequent basis.
 
As a participant in this course, you’ll learn the following:
 
·      How to conceive and research a medical news report for television broadcast.
·      How to produce a medical television news report.
·      How to write a script.
·      Basic performance skills for both taped reports and in-studio lead-ins and debriefings.
·      How to operate a video camera.
·      How to do basic video editing.
 
 
Reading
 
Readings for the course include an introduction to writing for broadcast news and a primer for interpreting medical statistics.  Individual student readings may vary depending on the topic of your news report and the role you assume on the production team.
 
Required Reading:

Tuggle, C.A., Forrest Carr and Suzanne Huffman, Broadcast News Handbook: Writing, Reporting, And Producing in a Converging Media World, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill Companies, ©2007, ISBN #0073526096.

Also acceptable in lieu of the 3rd edition of Tuggle et al. is the 2nd edition:

Tuggle, C.A., Forrest Carr and Suzanne Huffman, Broadcast News Handbook, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, ©2004, ISBN #0-07-285351-4.

Recommended Reading:

Cohn, Victor and Lewis Cope. News & Numbers: A Guide to Reporting Statistical Claims and Controversies in Health and Other Fields, Iowa State University Press (paperback), Second Edition, 2001, 211 pp., ISBN: 0813814243.
 
Optional Reading:
 
Kalbfeld, Brad, AP Broadcast News Handbook, The Associated Press, ©2001, ISBN #0-071-363882.
 
The required reading is available at the student store and is on reserve in the Park Library in Carroll Hall.  The Kalbfeld book is available in the student store under JOMC 121 and also is on reserve in the School’s Park Library. The Tuggle et al. book is also available in the student store under JOMC 421.
 
 
Assignments
 
The key to a successful science television news report is good writing.  Good writing requires an understanding of the material and the ability to communicate your ideas simply and clearly.
 
All scripts must be in my hands at the start of class on the respective due dates. Even with prior permission, submission of late scripts will result in a 10-point deduction per day.  Not turning in a script will result in a zero grade.  Misspelling of proper names will result in a 10-point deduction per misspelling.  Misspelling of other words will result in a 2-point deduction for each word misspelled.
 
Once you learn the requisite script writing skills, you’ll work in production teams to prepare a series of medical reports for Carolina Week. Each medical reporting team will be composed of two or three students who assume jobs at various times of producer, videographer/editor and reporter/scriptwriter.  Students on each team will alternate between the various producing, reporting and shooting/editing roles. Since you’ll be working to supply medical news reports for Carolina Week, it’s expected that you’ll watch the program regularly.  See the linked web page for program show times and cable channels.  Also, on the week before your report airs, it’s expected that you’ll participate in “Carolina Week’s” assignment meeting (check with the CW assignment editor for assignment meeting times). In the week your report airs, it’s expected that you’ll participate in “Carolina Week’s” taping session. (That takes place in the first floor television studios, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.).
 
 
Exam
 
There will be no midterm or final exam.
 
 
Grades
 
Your grade will be based upon the following factors:
 
·      Contributions to the production team based on your individual work as producer, videographer/editor and reporter/scriptwriter. (50%)
·      Your presence as an integral member of the Carolina Week news team.  It’s expected that you’ll attend the weekly live broadcasts and become a familiar face to members of the CW team. (30%)
·      Your ability to work with your JOMC 561 team members in a collegial and professional manner.  Keep in mind that succeeding in the television field requires a great deal of teamwork. (10%)
·      Classroom participation. (10%)
 
Please note that to receive a passing grade, you can have no more than one unexcused absence. Failing to appear for a scheduled shoot or an in-studio report can result in a failing grade for the course.
 
To help me evaluate your contributions to your team, you will need to keep a log of the time you spend on your individual activities on the team (e.g., time spent researching stories, pre-interviewing, interviewing, scripting, shooting, editing, etc.) At the end of the semester, I will ask you to hand in a one-page summary of your activities.
 
The following will be the grading guidelines I’ll use in determining your final course grade:
 
A: nearly perfect in execution... quality and quantity of work is exceptional... TV pieces were ready for broadcast.
A-: stands out from crowd (in a good way!)... good attitude… work is impressive in terms of quantity and quality… very few problems all term… works as if your career depends on it. Your broadcast pieces were ready for broadcast with minor changes.
B+: very good performance… would get an unqualified job recommendation… consistently does more than required… a self starter.
B: solid effort… should become a solid pro… would have no problem recommending this person. Your pieces were ready for broadcast with some changes.
B-: with a bit more polish, this person should make it in the business… has a pretty good handle on things.
C+: good in one phase of job, but consistent problems in another phase or contributed in only one phase.
C: acceptable work… follows instructions… understands basics… good team player… but didn’t perform/contribute across the board… potential is there, somewhere, please show it to us. Your pieces were ready for broadcast only after major changes.
D: needs to consider a different field. Your pieces were not broadcast quality.
F: no effort shown.
 
Also, remember that absences will affect your grade.
 
How To Succeed in This Course
 
·      Attend classes consistently.
·      Complete readings before the appropriate classroom discussions and ask for explanations for any concepts which you don't understand.
·      Participate actively in class.
·      Complete all production/shooting/editing/writing responsibilities by your deadline(s).
·      Work cooperatively with your team members.
·      Make sure all facts in your stories are accurate and properly sourced.
·      Ask Dr. Linden questions either during class or during office hours if you’re unclear about any aspect of this course.
 
Student Job Descriptions
 
Producer:  The producer is the person ultimately responsible for coordinating all research related to the report and lining up all people featured in the report. In consultation with his/her team and Dr. Linden, the producer determines the focus of the report. The producer also needs to scout field locations and provide the preliminary and final shoot schedules to Dr. Linden by the required deadlines. As producer, you’ll succeed by completing responsibilities in a timely manner.  Remember that throughout the entire field shoot, the “buck” stops with the you.
 
Videographer/editor:  The videographer/editor is responsible for shooting the video used in the taped report.  It’s your job to make sure you have the camera reserved in advance of your shoot date.  You also need to make sure the camera is operational and that you have necessary tapes, batteries and lighting equipment. You should be aware of proper lighting and framing techniques. If any of your equipment fails, you should have a back-up plan to deal with that contingency.  You’re also responsible for editing the completed piece in consultation with the producer and reporter/scriptwriter.
 
Reporter/scriptwriter:  The reporter/scriptwriter’s first responsibility prior to the shoot is to provide the team with a working script by the required deadline.  After the field shoots are completed, primary responsibility on the team shifts from the producer to the reporter/scriptwriter.  As scriptwriter, you’ll complete several drafts of the script which you’ll vet first with members of your team and then with Dr. Linden.  In team disputes about the content or style of the script, the scriptwriter has the final say.  If a team member believes that there is a factual or content error which can’t be reconciled by the scriptwriter, then that team member should contact Dr. Linden.  The reporter must be available to be in the studio on the Wednesday his/her report airs on Carolina Week.  Please note that the reporter will not always appear on set.  That decision rests with the producers of Carolina Week.
 
All team members:  You should plan on being available to the CW news team the Wednesday afternoon that your piece airs. Make sure that your tape is turned in by the deadline, that all supers are turned in to graphics by deadline and that the script is transferred to the CW web site immediately after the newscast. During the production process, team members will share in tape logging, a laborious process but critical to the shaping of the script.  (Logging must be completed by the designated deadlines as late logs will delay the scriptwriter in meeting his/hear deadlines.)  Also, it’s expected that all team members will participate in the video editing sessions.
 
Selection of teams:  Dr. Linden will determine who will be on each team.
 
 
Course Schedule

Please meet in Carroll Hall 132 ("newsroom") on Monday, Jan. 7 at 1:00 p.m. for the spring organizational meeting of "Carolina Week." If you did not attend the meeting, please contact Prof. Charlie Tuggle or Lynne Holman, his T.A., to make sure that you are on the Carolina Week listserv. Very important!
 
WEEK 1: JAN. 14 - Introduction to Medical Reporting for the Electronic Media
• Learn the basic purpose of the course.
• View previous student projects.
• Get acquainted with Carolina Week’s story format.
• Review fundamentals of writing news for broadcast television.
• Learn how to construct a medical television news script.

Assignment (for next class on Jan. 28):

Read Cohn/Cope book (Chapters 1 through 5).  

Read Tuggle, (Chapters 1 through 5, 7 though 9).

Read "Medical Reporting for the Electronic Media" (chapter by Dr. Linden) in Health Writer's Handbook by Barbara Gastel, M.D. -- see Blackboard "Documents" folder.

Read "Loosening Lips" by Eric Nalder.

Pitch two story ideas via email to Dr. Linden by Friday, Jan. 25, 12 noon. Also bring hard copy of story pitch to class on Jan. 28.
 

WEEK 2: JAN. 21 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Class)
 

WEEK 3: JAN. 28 - Writing For Broadcast Television/Preparing The Television Script/Fundamentals of Setting Up The TV Shoot
• Review fundamentals of writing news for broadcast television (as per Tuggle book).

• Review reading assignment to be completed before class - Cohn/Cope (Chapters 1 through 4).
• Learn script format.
• Discuss interview techniques
• Tips on medical television scripting and field production (Helen Chickering, NBC News Channel medical reporter/producer).  

Assignment (for next class):
Each team bring a finished script to next class on Feb. 5. Be sure script includes anchor intro, package insert and anchor outro.
 
WEEK 4: FEB. 4 - Fundamentals Of Shooting Video
• Tutorial on using Panasonic Digital Camera (Prof. Richard Simpson).
• Tips on putting together a package.
 
Assignment: (for next class):
Dr. Linden will returns each team's critiqued script (in mid-week). Each team should bring back revised script for next class on Feb. 11.
 
WEEK 5: FEB. 11 - Fundamentals Of Video Editing
• Tutorial on using Final Cut Pro (Prof. Richard Simpson).
• Tips on setting up your shoots and critique scripts.

Assignment:
Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week on Feb. 13 after newscast to pitch story for Feb. 20 newscast.
All teams - shoot practice video and acquaint yourself with Media 100 digital video software.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office Feb. 18 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.

WEEK 6: FEB. 18
In-class critique of script by Team A. Tips on voicing your track and delivering your standup.

Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on Carolina Week.

Team B attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for Feb. 27 newscast. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office Feb. 25 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)

 
WEEK 7: FEB. 25
In-class critique of Team A package from February 20. In-class critique of script by Team B.
 
Assignment:
Team B’s report airs on Carolina Week.
Teams A & B research next story.
 
WEEK 8: MARCH 3
In-class critique of Team B package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team C.
 
Assignment:
Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for March 21 newscast.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 17 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
(SPRING BREAK - MARCH 8 - 16)
 
WEEK 9: MARCH 17
In-class critique of Team B video report that aired March 5.

In-class critique of script by Team A. (Special guest at 3:30 p.m., Richard Griffiths, CNN Editorial Director).

Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on Carolina Week.

WEEK 10: MARCH 24
In-class critique of script by Kamisha Darden. In-class critique of Team A package from previous week.
View first half of Nova/Frontline documentary "Harvest of Fear."

Assignment:
Team B - attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for April 2 newscast.
Team B - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 30. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 31 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 11: MARCH 31
In-class critique of Kamisha Darden package from previous week.

View second half of Nova/Frontline documentary "Harvest of Fear".
View "Christopher," winner of 1999 Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Programming.
 
Assignment:
Team B’s report airs on Carolina Week.

Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for April 9 newscast.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office April 7 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 12: APRIL 7
In-class critique of script by Team A.

Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on Carolina Week.
Team B attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this Wednesday following CW newscast to pitch story for April 19 newscast.
Team B - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 13. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office April 14 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 13: APRIL 14
In-class critique of Team A package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team B.

Assignment:
Team B’s report airs on Carolina Week.
Prepare log of various writing, shooting and editing tasks during the semester's class. Bring to final class on April 21.
 
WEEK 14: APRIL 21: Wrap-Up/Class Evaluation
View "Making of Christopher," winner of the Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Programming.
In-class critique of Team B package from previous week.
 
The Honor Code
 
The Honor Code is in effect in this class and all others at the University. I am committed to treating Honor Code violations seriously and urge all students to become familiar with its terms set out at http://instrument.unc.edu. If you have questions, it is your responsibility to ask me about the Code’s application. All exams, written work, and other projects must be submitted with a statement that you have complied with the requirements of the Honor Code in all aspects of the submitted work.
 
(In this course, fabricating a source, fabricating purported statements of fact and/or plagiarism will result in a reportable Honor Code violation.)
 
--Revised April 14, 2008