In the fast-paced world of video journalism, the news package stands as a cornerstone of every broadcast. Whether you’re watching the 6 o’clock news on TV or catching a segment on a news website, chances are you’re watching a carefully crafted news package.
So, What Is a News Package?
A news package is a pre-recorded, edited segment that tells a newsworthy story. While traditionally part of scheduled news broadcasts, these packages are now just as common on digital platforms, catering to the ever-growing demand for accessible, on-the-go news content.
But a news package isn’t just a video clip—it’s a structured story with multiple layers working together to inform, engage, and sometimes even move the audience.
Key Elements of a Broadcast News Package
A well-rounded news package typically includes most, if not all, of the following components:
- Interviews
Structured conversations with people who offer facts, perspectives, or personal experiences related to the story. - Sound Bites
Short, impactful excerpts from interviews that effectively highlight a key point or emotion. - B-Roll
Supplemental footage that visually supports and enhances the narrative—think background shots, relevant locations, or action scenes. - Standup
A shot of the reporter on camera, often used to explain something directly or bridge sections of the story. - NAT Sound (Natural Sound)
Ambient sounds captured during filming (like traffic, crowd noise, or birds chirping) to help ground the viewer in the scene. - Room Tone
The barely noticeable hum or atmosphere of a location, used to smooth audio transitions during editing. - Reporter’s Track
The reporter’s voice-over that ties the story together, setting up interviews, guiding the narrative, and summarizing key information. - Lead
The opening line of audio that hooks the viewer and introduces the story. - Open
The first visual—whether it’s a graphic, a video clip, or the anchor’s introduction. - Close
The story’s final point or takeaway. - Out Cue
A signature sign-off that usually includes the news station’s name and the reporter’s name (e.g., “Jane Doe, WXYZ News”).
How Is a News Package Made?
Creating a compelling news package is a fast-paced, collaborative process. Here’s what it typically involves:
- Researching the story
Gathering background information and understanding the context. - Sourcing facts and interviews
Reaching out to credible sources, experts, or eyewitnesses. - Shooting footage
Capturing both interviews and B-roll on location. - Writing the script
Crafting the reporter’s track and planning how the story unfolds visually and audibly. - Editing the final package
Weaving together footage, audio, and graphics into a seamless, engaging narrative.
Because news needs to be timely and relevant, reporters often work under tight deadlines—planning, shooting, and editing their packages in a matter of hours.
Final Thoughts
A news package may only run a couple of minutes, but behind the scenes, it’s a layered production built on journalism, storytelling, and technical skill. Next time you watch one, listen closely—you’ll recognize the many moving parts working together to deliver the news with clarity and impact.
