The Role of Visual Storytelling in Television News
Visual Storytelling in Television News
15.3. Presence of the Reporter in News Storytelling
There is a distinction between a talking head, which refers to the overall program presenter, and a stand-up, referring to the reporter who appears on screen. While reporters maintain their role as mediators and should not become players in the news, their on-screen presence is crucial.
15.3.1. Presenters
There are two prevalent trends in news presentation:
- Presenters maintain distance from the facts, acting as impartial reporters. The station’s reputation ensures reliability.
- Presenters personalize information, offering a more intimate, “authored” approach. Viewer trust lies with the presenter’s credibility.
An effective presenter possesses a strong command of the information, humanizing the news with their personality. They are storytellers, exhibitors who leverage their personality, reliability, and credibility. Their voice is clear, comprehensible, and communicative. They speak, rather than read, ensuring the audience focuses on the facts, not their impression of the presenter.
15.3.2. Justification for Reporter Presence
Television news prioritizes the presence of those directly involved: witnesses, protagonists, and those affected. A reporter’s on-screen presence is justified only when they provide unique information or context, acting as a witness to the event. This presence should be concise, offering insights that deepen the understanding of the event. Live presence allows for dialogue with the main presenter and reinforces their role as a witness. In recorded reports, their presence bridges different segments and provides continuity.
15.3.3. Interacting with the Camera
On-screen presence should be composed and aligned with reporting standards. Reporters avoid subjective expressions, dramatizations, or displays of personal bias. A neutral medium shot is generally preferred. Ideally, attire, hairstyle, and accessories should not distract the viewer. Clothing choices should prioritize visual clarity on screen. A key element of on-camera behavior is the visual connection between the in-studio presenter and the on-location reporter. Studio presenters utilize teleprompters or cue cards (ptr-mail) to deliver information seamlessly. Reporters on location maintain consistent eye contact with the camera, ensuring a direct connection with the audience.
Other Visual Elements in Television News
- Visiting the Scene: Utilizing video cameras or mobile units to capture the aftermath or critical moments of an event.
- Image Files: Still images relevant to the event, clearly labeled as archival footage. Used to provide context and background information.
- Maps: Simple, informative maps pinpoint event locations, providing geographical context. International news benefits from two maps: one showing the continent or country, and another zoomed in on the specific location.
- Graphics: Visual representations of data, figures, percentages, and statistics. Enhance comprehension and facilitate comparisons.
- Animated Infographics: Add dynamism to static graphics, often accompanied by narration. Generated by computers, pre-recorded footage, or three-dimensional modeling.
- Windows: Square or rectangular frames within the screen, displaying supplementary visuals. Used for contrasting perspectives, supporting information, or incorporating additional footage.
- Special Effects: Enhance specific aspects of images or graphics, such as circles highlighting faces or arrows directing attention.
- Realistic Drawings: Depict situations inaccessible to cameras, providing visual representations of events or locations.
- Cartoons and Caricatures: Humorous interpretations of events, often used for satirical commentary.
- Talking Head: Utilized when visual resources are limited. The presenter’s presence, voice, and appearance become central to conveying information.
- Computer-Generated Content: Still images, graphics, scrolling text (telescripture), and moving images enhance visual storytelling.