The bulletin was delayed this week by about 20 minutes because of the script being late. A story had to be re-written as the legality has changed, but it put the production team under considerable stress. Angus commented that the bulletin MUST go out at 3pm and there MUST be a rehearsal before hand. This puts the emphasis on the importance of making sure the script is written earlier in the day.
My role in the production team was VT - it was a good job I had had practise last, as we had no rehearsals this week.
The news appears much better prepared, although the links are still letting the bulletin down.
The use of the Skype interview was really well received, as this is something new for WINOL and also something else that is done by professional news teams.
Chris has installed the VTEM Drawer extension onto the website and it works really well - there have been plenty of comments with really good feedback.
I was asked to design graphics from Kieran's package and it was commented that these were really good graphics.
Also, rather last minute I was asked to design a new Sportsweek logo, but because it was impossible to find a photo off Creative Commons in time (that gave me permission to alter the work) it wasn't used. This was quite annoying as I could have used this time for something else.
Another graphic successfully designed on Fireworks is another features Barker, this time for Polly and the Billets Doux in the Big Interview. I also put the Barker up on the site, but Chris is using Dreamweaver to attach the link - hopefully I will be able to learn how to do this soon.
Although I have been enjoying creating these graphics, I feel like my role is becoming a little more blurred.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Week 3
This week, production worked really well and it looked much better. The news overall was rather weak with the sports dominating. Also grammar needs attention in the bulletin, as within the script it said 'off of', when it should only be 'off.
The headlines also need a bit of work as they are a little boring, and the links are short with no explaination. The OOV and UPSOT brought a professional look to the bulletin, as these are usual in proper news bulletins. Angus set the aim for 2/3 each week, and 20/30 secs each.
The firestation should have been ordered before the sport, so that it gave the news bulletin balance.
Also, when stories are produced, they need to be located geographically, so the audience knows exactly where it is in relation to them.
This week in the production I moved from working the cameras to VT in the gallery. We had a little trouble with the computer, but other than that it went well. We managed to set up the OB for the football as recommended by Angus the week before. This techically worked but unfortunately it was disliked because Jake, the presenter, was in front of a tree, when it would have looked better with a pitch in the background. Unfortunately we were limited by our equipment, as we have no battery packs to run the tricaster out in the middle of a field.
I also began work on finding new extentions for our Joomla site - these are the things that will help transform the site into something much more user friendly, as well as attractive. One particular extention to catch my eye has been the VTEM Drawer, which I would like to install for the features page. It relies heavily on a large picture in the article, so this will require feature writers to not only think of the words, but also finding good quality photos.
I have got a copy of Adobe Fireworks, a fantastic design tool, and with Chris we designed a new Barker for the front page. The Barker is a clickable picture that links directly to the article. This specific one was for The Big Interview for features on Jon Boden.
At the same time as doing my own things, I helped Kieran with filming at the university whilst he conducted an interview.
The headlines also need a bit of work as they are a little boring, and the links are short with no explaination. The OOV and UPSOT brought a professional look to the bulletin, as these are usual in proper news bulletins. Angus set the aim for 2/3 each week, and 20/30 secs each.
The firestation should have been ordered before the sport, so that it gave the news bulletin balance.
Also, when stories are produced, they need to be located geographically, so the audience knows exactly where it is in relation to them.
This week in the production I moved from working the cameras to VT in the gallery. We had a little trouble with the computer, but other than that it went well. We managed to set up the OB for the football as recommended by Angus the week before. This techically worked but unfortunately it was disliked because Jake, the presenter, was in front of a tree, when it would have looked better with a pitch in the background. Unfortunately we were limited by our equipment, as we have no battery packs to run the tricaster out in the middle of a field.
I also began work on finding new extentions for our Joomla site - these are the things that will help transform the site into something much more user friendly, as well as attractive. One particular extention to catch my eye has been the VTEM Drawer, which I would like to install for the features page. It relies heavily on a large picture in the article, so this will require feature writers to not only think of the words, but also finding good quality photos.
I have got a copy of Adobe Fireworks, a fantastic design tool, and with Chris we designed a new Barker for the front page. The Barker is a clickable picture that links directly to the article. This specific one was for The Big Interview for features on Jon Boden.
At the same time as doing my own things, I helped Kieran with filming at the university whilst he conducted an interview.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Week 2 - A Move To The Production Team
This week, I moved from the News Team to the Production Team. I feel much happier this time round - I have more of an idea what is involved in the Winol production and the Production Team has been very organised and have helped explain things that I don't understand.
My main role within production is to look after the website - Chris has high expectations! There is a lot to understand on Joomla, and I've started to learn the basics (which takes a few brain cells). On my blog I will be adding instructions on how to use Joomla, to help myself and others too.
Although I have begun to learn Joomla, my abilities are limited and I have also helped the Production Team with different tasks this week. To be able to work in the TV Studio, Drew and myself had to get health and safety training on Tuesday. After this, we shadowed Domonique learning how to open up the TV Studio. I was assigned to work camera 2 on the studio floor.
We were all very organised and I think this made the environment very calm. We managed to film Sportsweek just after lunch. I had to help cue in the presenter as he did not have headset connected to the gallery.
On Wednesday morning we set up the studio and I went round collecting headline clips and also news packages. I was able to help the reporters export the files properly so that we had no problems with playing them. All the clips were collected on time. We successfully ran through the news bulletin. I had to move the position of camera 2 from one presenter to the other, after a shot from camera 3. This was practised several times to ensure mixing and transitions worked well.
The gallery remained calm throughout filming, and everyone managed to communicate well with each other. When filming had been completed, I found out that there had been a black hole in one part, which was a bit of a shame with all the effort put in by the gallery.
I was pleased with my efforts from this week, I feel like I am beginning to understand the whole process of Winol. Really good organisation by Domonique and the hard work of all the production members has made this week turn out well. Next week I will look to develop my knowledge on Joomla - I hope to start to make a difference on the website as soon as possible!
My main role within production is to look after the website - Chris has high expectations! There is a lot to understand on Joomla, and I've started to learn the basics (which takes a few brain cells). On my blog I will be adding instructions on how to use Joomla, to help myself and others too.
Although I have begun to learn Joomla, my abilities are limited and I have also helped the Production Team with different tasks this week. To be able to work in the TV Studio, Drew and myself had to get health and safety training on Tuesday. After this, we shadowed Domonique learning how to open up the TV Studio. I was assigned to work camera 2 on the studio floor.
We were all very organised and I think this made the environment very calm. We managed to film Sportsweek just after lunch. I had to help cue in the presenter as he did not have headset connected to the gallery.
On Wednesday morning we set up the studio and I went round collecting headline clips and also news packages. I was able to help the reporters export the files properly so that we had no problems with playing them. All the clips were collected on time. We successfully ran through the news bulletin. I had to move the position of camera 2 from one presenter to the other, after a shot from camera 3. This was practised several times to ensure mixing and transitions worked well.
The gallery remained calm throughout filming, and everyone managed to communicate well with each other. When filming had been completed, I found out that there had been a black hole in one part, which was a bit of a shame with all the effort put in by the gallery.
I was pleased with my efforts from this week, I feel like I am beginning to understand the whole process of Winol. Really good organisation by Domonique and the hard work of all the production members has made this week turn out well. Next week I will look to develop my knowledge on Joomla - I hope to start to make a difference on the website as soon as possible!
Week 1 - News Reporting
This week was quite difficult - we were thrown straight in the deep end into Winol (Winchester News Online). Some people already knew what roles they had been given prior to the first meeting about Winol, others found out what they has been assigned.
I found that I had been put down to news report on community matters. After the meeting, I looked into stories and decided to go with one about an inquiry about a motocross site out of Winchester. I researched the piece and went to visit one side of the argument, but it all fell apart when the listed location of the company didn't exist.
I had already arranged to help with the Barton Farm report, and decided it would be best to carry on with this. We attended the beginning of the inquiry at the Guildhall. We managed to split up aware of time constraints - I helped Natasha film a piece to camera and some shots on location at Barton Farm, whilst Shira stayed at the inquiry.
I was quite pleased with the shots that were captured. The editing process was divided up and I felt that Natasha became much more confident in her abilities. Unfortunately on Wednesday we had problems with the software, where the project could not locate the clips on the external harddrive. We had to get the help of the technician several times as this happened more than once.
We were not aware of what was required of us - not understanding straplines or how to put them on, or even about the headline clip. This made the whole editing process confusing and rather hectic. Thankfully we managed to finish the package at 1pm, but it was quite close.
I found that I had been put down to news report on community matters. After the meeting, I looked into stories and decided to go with one about an inquiry about a motocross site out of Winchester. I researched the piece and went to visit one side of the argument, but it all fell apart when the listed location of the company didn't exist.
I had already arranged to help with the Barton Farm report, and decided it would be best to carry on with this. We attended the beginning of the inquiry at the Guildhall. We managed to split up aware of time constraints - I helped Natasha film a piece to camera and some shots on location at Barton Farm, whilst Shira stayed at the inquiry.
I was quite pleased with the shots that were captured. The editing process was divided up and I felt that Natasha became much more confident in her abilities. Unfortunately on Wednesday we had problems with the software, where the project could not locate the clips on the external harddrive. We had to get the help of the technician several times as this happened more than once.
We were not aware of what was required of us - not understanding straplines or how to put them on, or even about the headline clip. This made the whole editing process confusing and rather hectic. Thankfully we managed to finish the package at 1pm, but it was quite close.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Don't Get Caught Short
Where do you stop when trying to cut spending? Well, it appears that your dignity may be compromised by one council's attempting to stem their outgoings. Mancunians; your public conveniences are threatened.
Manchester City Council has made the decision to close 18 out of their 19 public toilets. It doesn't come as a surprise, as it proves an easy option to save money. Rather than cutting something related to education or healthcare, which may face greater opposition, it is unlikely many will protest against such a loss.
But, with the lack of toilets in the city, where will people go to relieve themselves? It may sound a strange thing to ask, but for many a very good question. It isn't always an easy problem to solve - you're usually on the go when caught short and looking for a toilet.
Many pubs and restaurants offer toilets as part of their provision to customers, but what right does a passer-by have to use these conveniences? A large amount of people are timid about walking in just to use the toilets, especially women and elderly people. For instance, will the management order you out, if they find you are not buying anything?
Happily, there are some retailers and food chains that will welcome you in. John Lewis, has 28 stores around the country and say that their toilets are both for customers and non-customers. There is the obvious added bonus to the company that you will have to pass plenty of their goods, hopefully enticing you to buy them once you've been to the toilet.
J D Wetherspoons say: "If someone walked into the toilet, didn't buy a drink and walked out we wouldn't go chasing after them,". Generally, KFC, Burger King and McDonalds have said the same thing - they won't be chasing you out, although they don't encourage it.
The Independent states that the availability of public toilets 'is the hallmark of a civilised society and one that treats people, including visitors, with dignity.' So are we creating an environment where people, both local and non-local do not feel dignified? It's true, it is rather embarrassing if you have to go on a search for a toilet, especially nipping in somewhere you know you probably shouldn't be going. Visitors may also take away a bad impression and pass it on.
Even so, it's unlikely to stop Manchester City Council. Unfortunately for the public toilet, it has declined from the Victorian hey-day to the modern day abuse of vandals. Public conveniences will not be restored anytime soon, and more will disappear in the future - with their upkeep proving an expense local councils can no longer support.
Manchester City Council has made the decision to close 18 out of their 19 public toilets. It doesn't come as a surprise, as it proves an easy option to save money. Rather than cutting something related to education or healthcare, which may face greater opposition, it is unlikely many will protest against such a loss.
But, with the lack of toilets in the city, where will people go to relieve themselves? It may sound a strange thing to ask, but for many a very good question. It isn't always an easy problem to solve - you're usually on the go when caught short and looking for a toilet.
Many pubs and restaurants offer toilets as part of their provision to customers, but what right does a passer-by have to use these conveniences? A large amount of people are timid about walking in just to use the toilets, especially women and elderly people. For instance, will the management order you out, if they find you are not buying anything?
Happily, there are some retailers and food chains that will welcome you in. John Lewis, has 28 stores around the country and say that their toilets are both for customers and non-customers. There is the obvious added bonus to the company that you will have to pass plenty of their goods, hopefully enticing you to buy them once you've been to the toilet.
J D Wetherspoons say: "If someone walked into the toilet, didn't buy a drink and walked out we wouldn't go chasing after them,". Generally, KFC, Burger King and McDonalds have said the same thing - they won't be chasing you out, although they don't encourage it.
The Independent states that the availability of public toilets 'is the hallmark of a civilised society and one that treats people, including visitors, with dignity.' So are we creating an environment where people, both local and non-local do not feel dignified? It's true, it is rather embarrassing if you have to go on a search for a toilet, especially nipping in somewhere you know you probably shouldn't be going. Visitors may also take away a bad impression and pass it on.
Even so, it's unlikely to stop Manchester City Council. Unfortunately for the public toilet, it has declined from the Victorian hey-day to the modern day abuse of vandals. Public conveniences will not be restored anytime soon, and more will disappear in the future - with their upkeep proving an expense local councils can no longer support.
Lorry Sheds Tarmac Load On M3
An overturned tarmac lorry has brought traffic to a standstill on the M3 in Surrey, today.
The 26-ton tipper lorry was involved in a crash which caused it to shed its load. The lorry landed on top of a car and spilt the tarmac over all three lanes of the motorway and also the hard shoulder. The hot tarmac then proceeded to set.
The crash, involving 10 to 15 vehicles happened at 9.45am on the northbound carriageway, between junction three for Bagshot and junction two for the M25.
The Highways Agency have had to call in special equipment to remove the hardened surface layer.
No serious injuries were sustained, but three men and a woman were taken to Frimley Park Hospital with minor injuries.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area, with traffic being diverted onto the A30 and then the M25. The diversion is likely to create a high volume of traffic on these routes.
The time consuming operation will continue for several hours.
Highways Agency spokesman, James Wright said: "It has cooled quite quickly and will have to be physically scraped off using specialist equipment."
A Surrey Police spokesman said: "It will be a very big clear-up operation."
Although by 4.25pm all vehicles involved in the crash had been removed, the carriageway still remains closed for the Highways Agency.
Reports of five mile queuing on the M3 were made, with traffic going as far back as junction 4 at Camberley.
The 26-ton tipper lorry was involved in a crash which caused it to shed its load. The lorry landed on top of a car and spilt the tarmac over all three lanes of the motorway and also the hard shoulder. The hot tarmac then proceeded to set.
The crash, involving 10 to 15 vehicles happened at 9.45am on the northbound carriageway, between junction three for Bagshot and junction two for the M25.
The Highways Agency have had to call in special equipment to remove the hardened surface layer.
No serious injuries were sustained, but three men and a woman were taken to Frimley Park Hospital with minor injuries.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area, with traffic being diverted onto the A30 and then the M25. The diversion is likely to create a high volume of traffic on these routes.
The time consuming operation will continue for several hours.
Highways Agency spokesman, James Wright said: "It has cooled quite quickly and will have to be physically scraped off using specialist equipment."
A Surrey Police spokesman said: "It will be a very big clear-up operation."
Although by 4.25pm all vehicles involved in the crash had been removed, the carriageway still remains closed for the Highways Agency.
Reports of five mile queuing on the M3 were made, with traffic going as far back as junction 4 at Camberley.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Codes of Practice
This is not actual law, but a journalistic code. It’s more ETHICAL, reassuring the public. It builds a bond between journalists and their audience.
Three main codes:
PCC (Press Complaints Commission) – newspapers and magazines
Ofcom – broadcasters
BBC – for BBC staff and license payers
Purpose...
The law is specific and limited in action
It also offers a benchmark for behaviour amongst journalists
Key Areas
Ethical behaviour – how far is far enough
Fair Treatment – giving a respect for privacy
There is a requirement for accuracy and impartiality
Vulnerable groups are protected in codes
PCC
This is SELF REGULATING. It is often considered to have more relaxed rules because of it.
In the editors code of practice (found on pcc.org.uk), asterisks highlight areas which may not be held, if there is an overriding public interest. Due to this suiting newspapers, there is a lot of cynicism amongst the public over the actual codes effectiveness.
Ofcom
This is much more powerful that the PCC. They hold statutory powers which can result in much more trouble – for example large fines.
In the past, in response to the ITV competitions scandal, Ofcom fined ITV £5.6m.
They can give directions for a programme not to be repeated, and for the corrections to be broadcast. Fines of up to 5% of revenue can be imposed or they can even revoke broadcast licenses. In July 2010, Ofcom served the owners of four adult channels (Tease Me, Tease Me TV, Tease Me 2, Tease Me 3), Bang Channels Limited and Bang Media Limited with a fine of £157,250 for broadcasting sexually explicit material before the 9pm watershed. Later in November of the same year, the channels had their licenses revoked and were taken off air.
Broadcaster are obliged to be impartial in broadcasting, whereas newspapers appear to get away with more. Impartiality varies in different circumstances.
BBC
These are the BBC editorial guidelines, and in practice are a working document/reference for journalists.
They can be found at:
bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorialguidelines
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