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As the school year kicks off, many school leaders are interested in learning how to start (or improve) a school TV news program. While it may sound like a daunting task, the process for starting a school TV news program can range from downright simple to very complex. An iPhone and a desk with two students reading the news can be a start.
K12 media and film expert, Don Goble, sat down with SchoolTube to discuss the steps for starting a school news program. Watch the webinar below to learn Don’s tips for starting a school announcement program for your school. Check out the other videos in this playlist for lots of other video production tips and tricks from Don. Also check out ASB Classroom for more resources on video production training.
Watch Video: How to Get Your School News Program Started
If you don't have time to watch the full webinar, read the "Cliff Note's" below to get your school news program started.
The main areas to address when starting a school tv news or announcements program:
- Who: Who will lead the program and who will be on-screen. School news shows are usually run by a journalism or media teacher or can be led by a teacher or administrator with a strong interest in video production. The on-screen talent can be students, the principal, communications director, or others. The true value of creating a school news program is getting students involved. If using students, you will need several, rotating duties and roles.
- What: What will the school news program cover - just school news or venture into stories and features from the school, district or community?
- Where: Where will the school news show be produced? The set can range from a desk in the corner to a classroom converted into a production facility. Lighting is super important. You will need good lighting from multiple angles for a quality outcome.
- When: Will your school news show be a daily effort, weekly or some other frequency? A daily show creates a tremendous amount of work. News must be turned in by a hard deadline in order to make each show’s production schedule. For beginners, we suggest starting with a weekly show and then add more days as skills and processes are honed.
- How: Will your show be live-streamed or recorded? A recording is easier and requires less technology, knowledge and allows for greater flexibility. Obviously, SchoolTube is your go-to source for sharing your recorded school news shows! Live streaming is also very popular and can be quite easy to pull off with the right equipment and services. A camera, transcoder, and live streaming service is required. Many schools use YouTube live for the live stream service and devices such as Tricaster, SlingStudio and Padcaster (an amazing all-in-one system). Make sure you have good audio. Consider multiple microphones and an audio mixer device for the best results. B & H Camera is a go-to source for K12 camera, lighting, and audio needs.
That's a wrap...SchoolTube suggests starting simple and growing your school news program into an award-winning program as time, personel and resources allow. The most important aspect is finding a teacher or administrator with the time and passion necessary to turn ideas and goals into a well-run school news program.
Keep those cameras rolling!