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 and Science 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, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill Companies, ©2007, ISBN #0073526096.

or, the Second Edition of Tuggle et al:

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

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 121.
 
 
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’re 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 counts as an unexcused absence. 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.
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.
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.
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.
D: provides substandard work.
F: fails to meet deadlines and/or does not contribute significantly to team projects and/or has more than one unexcused absence from class.
 
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 preliminary and final shoot schedules to team members. As producer, you’ll succeed by completing responsibilities in a timely manner.  Remember that throughout the entire field shoot, the “buck” stops with 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.  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.
 
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. 12 at 1:00 p.m. for the spring organizational meeting of "Carolina Week."
 
WEEK 1: JAN. 12 - Introduction to Medical Reporting for the Electronic Media
• Learn the basic purpose of the course.
• 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):

Read Cohn/Cope book (Chapters 1 through 4).

Read Tuggle et al. (Chapters 1 through 5).

Read RTNDA'S Guide to Health Coverage Under HIPAA.

WEEK 2: JAN. 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Class)

Assignment (for next class):

Read Cohn/Cope, Chapter 5.

Read Tuggle et al. (Chapters 7 though 9).

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

Each team pitch three story ideas via email to Dr. Linden by Friday, Jan. 23, 12 noon. Also bring hard copy of story pitch to class on Jan. 26.
 
WEEK 3: JAN. 26 - Writing for Broadcast Television/Preparing the Television Script/Fundamentals of Setting Up the TV Shoot
• Review Broadcast News Handbook (Tuggle et al.) and News and Numbers (Cohn and Cope).
• Learn script format.
• Discuss interview techniques.
• Tips on medical television scripting and field production.

Assignment (for next class):
ALL teams - choose one of the story ideas pitched previously to Dr. Linden and bring your proposal to the next class. For your proposal summarize your story in your best new style in 50 words. List potential interviewees including name, title, phone number and email address. Also, please include a B-roll list of the video that you would like to shoot for your piece.
 
WEEK 4: FEB. 2 - Fundamentals Of Shooting Video
• Tutorial on using Panasonic Digital Camera (Prof. Richard Simpson).
• Tips on putting together a package.
 
Assignment: (for next class):
ALL teams -- start shooting with the class camera. Interview one another and shoot indoor/outdoor video to get acquainted with the camera, tripod and lighting equipment. Check your video to make sure it's properly lit and that the audio is clear.
 
WEEK 5: FEB. 9 - Fundamentals Of Video Editing
• Tutorial on using Final Cut Pro (Prof. Richard Simpson).
• Tips on setting up your shoots.

Assignment:
Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week on Feb. 11 after newscast to pitch story for Feb. 18 newscast.
All teams - shoot practice video and acquaint yourself with Final Cut Pro.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office Feb. 16 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)

WEEK 6: FEB. 16
In-class critique of script by Team A. Tips on voicing your track and delivering your standup.

Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on Feb. 18 Carolina Week.

Team B attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for Feb. 25 newscast. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office Feb. 23 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)

 
WEEK 7: FEB. 23
In-class critique of Team A package from February 18. In-class critique of script by Team B.

Assignment:
Team B’s report airs on Feb. 25 Carolina Week.
Team C attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for March 4 newscast.
Team C - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 2 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 8: MARCH 2
In-class critique of Team B package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team C.
View "The Age of Aids," a Frontline special on PBS.
 
Assignment:
Team C’s report airs March 4 on Carolina Week.
Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for March 18 newscast.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 16 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
(SPRING BREAK - MARCH 7 - 15)
 
WEEK 9: MARCH 16 - Guest speaker (Richard Griffiths, CNN Editorial Director)
In-class critique of Team C package from March 4. In-class critique of script by Team A.
View additional segments of "The Age of Aids," a Frontline special on PBS.

Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on March 18 Carolina Week.
Team B attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for March 25 newscast.
Team B - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 22. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 23 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 10: MARCH 23
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 March 25 Carolina Week.
Team C attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for April 1 newscast.
Team C - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office March 30 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 11: March 30
In-class critique of Team B package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team C.
View "Christopher," winner of 1999 Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Programming.
 
Assignment:
Team C’s report airs on April 1 Carolina Week.
Team A attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this week to pitch story for April 8 newscast.
Team A - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 5. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office April 6 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 12: APRIL 6
In-class critique of Team C package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team A.
View "Making of Christopher," winner of the Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Programming.
 
Assignment:
Team A’s report airs on April 8 Carolina Week.
Team B attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this Wednesday following CW newscast to pitch story for April 15 newscast.
Team B - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 12. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office April 13 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 13: APRIL 13
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 April 15 Carolina Week.
Team C attend assignment meeting of Carolina Week this Wednesday following CW newscast to pitch story for April 22 newscast.
Team C - email script to Dr. Linden by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 19. (Scriptwriter of next week's story meet with Dr. Linden in his office April 20 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss script.)
 
WEEK 14: APRIL 20

In-class critique of Team B package from previous week. In-class critique of script by Team C.

Assignment:
Team C’s report airs on April 22 Carolina Week.

Prepare log of various writing, shooting and editing tasks during the semester's class. Bring to final class on April 27.
 
WEEK 15: APRIL 27: Wrap-Up/Class Evaluation

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 March 17, 2009