Using the morning newspaper, participants will create a 30 second television “news break” script.
Most will have seen a “news break,” which is basically a headline service designed to provide some
news, and to promote viewership of an upcoming newscast. The major goal of this activity is to
demonstrate the limitations of TV news writing; how TV news has to use brevity and conciseness.
Procedures: Before beginning the activity, instruct participants that they must include:
- one story from International news;
- one from National news;
- one story of regional/local importance;
- and one from either sports or the weather.
Distribute a copy of the morning newspaper to all participants. They will have 20 minutes to write
the newsbreak. A blank script form is also distributed (see below) and they are instructed to write
only in the AUDIO column. At the end of the activity, participants will be asked to come to the front of the
room and read their newsbreak. The teacher uses a stopwatch to ensure 30 seconds.
