Broadcast Sequence

Overview

The objective of the program is to prepare students for entry-level employment in broadcast, cable and online multimedia news operations throughout the country. The students will have learned not only the hands-on skills necessary to cope with basic and new technologies, but also the critical thinking, writing and reporting skills necessary to meet the challenges of the professional world. Ethics and diversity are stressed in all sequence classes as students are prepared to make tough decisions on short deadlines in a multicultural world.

Facilities

The broadcast news sequence is taught in several labs and a newsroom equipped with radio and television studios, computerized producing software, digital audio and video editing equipment, and portable ENG (VHS cameras and editors) television equipment for field reporting. The sequence is equipped with CNN Newsource — a newswire and video feed made available for educational purposes only.

Equipment is available for checkout for students enrolled in sequence courses. Please see rules on equipment checkout.

Production

News programs are produced for KVRX and KVR. The TV news programs are also simulcast on Austin cable television.

Application to the Area

The upper-division application process occurs in October and March of each academic year. Please see Applying for Upper-Division Standing for the necessary information. The broadcast sequence admits 42 students a year – 27-30 to begin the fall sequence and 12-15 to begin in spring.

Required Broadcast Sequence Courses

J322D. Broadcast Newswriting and Radio Reporting

This course covers the examination and practice of writing news for broadcast and of basic broadcast reporting skills. Students write, report, edit and produce a radio news program on deadline. Two lecture hours and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 320R (Topic 1: Specialized Reporting and 322D may not both be counted). Prerequisite: Journalism 310 and 315 with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and acceptance into the broadcast sequence.

J353D. Television Reporting

This course covers basic television news-gathering skills, including shooting and editing videotape, planning and executing visual storytelling, and writing and producing news packages. Students assist in the production of a television news program. Two lecture hours and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 320R (Topic 3: Problems of Radio News Coverage) and 353D may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Journalism 320D; Journalism 322D with a grade of at least C; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and acceptance into the broadcast sequence.

J372D. Television Producing

This course covers the philosophy and execution of producing television news programs as well as advanced writing and reporting skills. Students are responsible for collaborative production of television news programs on deadline. Two lecture hours and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 343R and 372D may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 322D and 353D with a grade of at least C in each, and acceptance into the broadcast sequence.

Contact information

School of Journalism at 512-471-1845