Storytelling in Broadcast Journalism

Foreward:
-In order to truly succeed in the field of communications you have to be wearing a massive belt that can hold all rhetorical tools! at one point or another, there will always be one that will be of better use than the other. In the specific field of broadcast journalism, an emphasis on narrative rhetorical pedagogy is used the most. The narrative emphasis of speech encompasses the who, what, where, when and how of a situation and a broadcast journalist really can't accomplish the purpose of their job without these components. One in this field can expect that storytelling becomes their first route of communication with all audiences.

To emphasize the importance of who, what, where, when, why and how, I've created a situation where a reporter learned quickly how important it was to be on their "A-game", and how a supervisor would use them as an example to new reporters.

example:
-A fresh broadcast journalist, straight out of college is running mad around the newsroom trying to piece together a huge story that just came out about a disease in a neighboring state. Let's say her name is Jane.

Story: 
-Jane is experiencing her first major news rush and has been asked to be the woman in charge of getting the story out there as quickly as possible. She only has a few facts and live interviews to run with and now the newscast is less than an hour away. Jane knows that the three minute time slot won't be enough time to relay all the emotions that came with the situation, and decides to start her broadcast with a sympathetic headline, but sets her focus more on how many people were effected, how they were effected and what we can expect will be done to happen/help the cause in the future.

Analysis: 
-The priority of any newscast is to fit in the 4 w's and h as soon as possible, making narrative the most applicable here. It is also very important that Jane represents her company as one that cares, so she intertwines sympathy. This would be an example used for new and upcoming reporters and would help them identify what takes priority in timely situations.

Retelling the story:
-If the point of the story is to really help new broadcast journalists prioritize their information and relay what would be most suitable to the audience, the story could be told with a little more intensity and description. They also must understand that the kairos of a situation is so vital to how many people will rely on them as a solid news source in the future.

- Families all over Utah County can sleep soundly tonight knowing that there is no danger of disease in their area. They are our priority. The news is their safeguard. Tonight, Jane proved this all to be true as she zeroed in on the main priorities of this massive news story that took the whole state of Utah by surprise. 

In the heat of the moment, we were only receiving minimal details and a few bare interviews to go off of... so... what would you do? 

Jane decided to run with the most important facts first: who and how people were being effected, and if we in the local area would be effected. She closed with a promising statement that ensured people we would have more facts on the disease itself soon, and how they can take precautionary measures. Even though we aren't in control of all the circumstances surrounding this event, it is our job to ensure our audience that they are getting the most efficient local news. Effectiveness and efficiency: this is our guarantee, and we must live up to that statement. 

- The purpose of this example is to inspire news reporters to always prepare the facts first, and leave the fluff for last. By talking about the audience first, it helps new reporters see the end goal of making sure their narrative, or newscast is prioritized properly and effectively.