City’s 10-week Introduction to Journalism short course will develop your basic journalism and media skills - specifically in digital and broadcast journalism - many of which are now relevant to those both inside and outside of the industry.
1 starting date
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Starting date:
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Time: to
- Fees: £495 (no VAT)
NB: No lessons on bank holiday Mondays; Lesson 10 on July 15th.
- Occurs: Monday
- Location: Online
- Booking deadline:
- 10 places leftBook now for 29th April start
Want to find out more?
Introduction to Broadcast Journalism Course overview
Taught over 10 evening sessions and led by an experienced broadcast journalist, our Introduction to Broadcast Journalism course is designed to develop key skills in media and journalism.
This online part-time course, combines knowledge of journalism principles with the practical, hands-on experience of creating your own content.
Learn what makes a story ‘newsworthy’, how to write for broadcast and the legal and ethical issues around broadcasting. Develop your research and interviewing skills and build confidence presenting on TV and radio.
Topics can vary to suit your interest (for example, business, global affairs, food, lifestyle, health, community matters), with plenty of opportunity to experiment with new ideas.
Who is it for?
City’s dynamic Broadcast Journalism course is taught at introductory level. It is ideal if you are new to journalism and want to develop your understanding and build confidence across a variety of key media skills.
Find out more about our Journalism courses
Timetable
The Introduction to Broadcast Journalism short course takes place every Thursday at 18.30 for 10 weeks.
City Short Courses follow the academic year, delivering courses over three terms. These include:
- Autumn - October
- Spring - January
- Summer - April
Benefits
- Taught by a practising broadcast journalist at a University with a reputation for excellence within the field of journalism
- Taught as a series of part-time evening classes, ideal for working professionals
- Awarded a City, University of London certificate on completion
What will I learn?
The Introduction to Broadcast Journalism short course is taught over 10 two-hour evening sessions.
Week 1: Introductions & what is ‘newsworthy’? The journalists’ secret weapon to drive audience interest. Putting it into practice with your own broadcast story script.
Week 2: Researching & developing stories, and why branding matters. ‘Angles’, headlines & audience. How do editors/commissioners select stories to cover? What makes a great feature?
Week 3: Legal and ethical issues in broadcasting (basic introduction to media laws, such as contempt, privacy, defamation, copyright etc.) and journalism codes of conduct: Analysing risky 'real life' scenarios.
Week 4: Interviewing: Finding people, tips (before, during, after) and practising ‘live’ interview techniques. Advice on managing interview disasters/nightmare interviewees.
Week 5: Writing for broadcast (TV and Radio) considerations for visual/audio audiences. Discussion of example scripts. Putting together your own scripts for week six and seven.
Week 6: Radio: Principles and practice (live and pre-rec presenting and reporting techniques). Recording your own scripted headlines and/or radio reports.
Week 7: TV: Principles and practice (live and pre-rec presenting and reporting techniques). Recording your own 'live' report as a piece to camera and/or 'live' interview on camera.
Week 8: Pitching content part 1: Principles of branding, audience, newsworthiness, platform, clients etc. Bringing it all together to create a pitch. What makes a great online write up? Examples for discussion. Real life example pitches: Who got a commission & why?
Week 9: Pitching content part 2: Finish and present your own original pitch, and receive feedback on it. Role-playing negotiating a commission (and payment!) with an editor.
Week 10: Tips for freelancers/job seekers/media professionals. Advice on networking and finding work. Further resources, advice and Q&A.
Please note: This course does not include training on video and audio editing software.
Assessment and certificates
There is no formal assessment for the journalism course but you will be expected to contribute to class discussions, complete any homework assignments and be open to giving and receiving feedback on any work-in-progress.
You will be awarded an official City, University of London certificate if you attend above 70 percent of the classes, however, our short courses are not formally accredited.
Eligibility
Our Broadcast Journalism course is practical and creative, covering the basics of creating and sharing original content.
It is not designed as a replacement for an accredited journalism degree and is not for those wishing to develop their English language skills.
We do not ask for any formal qualifications to enrol on the Broadcast Journalism short courses. You should have a strong interest and enthusiasm for journalism, media and current affairs.
English requirements
You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.
Recommended reading
- Online Law for Journalists: A practical guide for journalists, bloggers and communicators (Clean Copy)
- BBC Academy: Journalism skills
- BBC Academy: Production skills