SPORTS BEAT: REP

DEPARTMENT: BA Hons. Journalism

NAME OF PAPER: Reporting Editing for Print

SOURCE: This research is based on the class discussions done by Dr. Vartika Nanda.

INTRODUCTION 

“Sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks. It promotes ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice. Tackling problems in post conflict situations can be eased as sport has the ability to bring people together.”-UNESCO.  Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain or improve our physical ability. Sports writing and reporting is as specialized an area as any other. It calls for both technical knowhow and a good writing style. A sports beat writer typically is assigned to cover a specific sport, league or team, usually for a newspaper. The writer often covers a single beat year-round, even during any offseason for his or her beat.

IMPORTANCE 

Scientists across the world have claimed that physical activity affects the brain physiology by increasing cerebral capillary growth, blood flow, growth of nerve cells in hippocampus and volume of brain tissues. Researchers have time and again established that increased involvement in sports and physical activities enhances the academic performance, cognitive skills, attention, information processing, and verbal ability of a person. Sports plays a major role in developing our physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual being. Sports plays a major role in developing our physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual being. It helps to foster a sense of community and national pride among sports fans by reporting on local teams and events. They also provide a platform for fans to discuss and debate sports-related topics, which can help build a sense of community. 

EVOLUTION AND BRIEF HISTORY 

Archaeologists have found during excavation of ancient sites, monuments, etc. many artifacts and sculptures which indicates that since times immemorial the human race has been depicting games and sports through pictures and words. In the epics ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’, we come across many anecdotes of archery, horse racing, dicing, swimming, wrestling, javelin throw, gilli danda, fencing, sword fighting, chariot racing and so on. Most of us have grown up reading about the stories of valor and sports of kings and queens like Shivaji, Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharana Pratap, Rani Laxmi Bai and so on. Even the Mughal emperors were ardent patrons of sports like wrestling. Sporting events and competitions were often the basis for selection of life partners of the royals and winning in them was a way to prove oneself to be worthy of the throne. Historians believe that many games like hockey, archery, wrestling and chess originated in India. Greek poet Homer’s ‘Iliad’, in part 23, has elaborate mention of sports. It would not be an exaggeration to call Homer as one of the first sports journalists in the world. 

In the twentieth century, however, the colonial governments along with their rule had brought in many of their sports and games to the colonies. The arrival of the industrial revolution and later the technological innovations made many day-to-day tasks easier which led to more leisure time with people to engage in physical activities and sports. Earlier the nations had many of their own indigenous games and sporting activities for engagement. Later with the advent of mass media and global communication, some of the indigenous sports became common to many countries. And with the commencement of International sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games etc. led to the revival of many sports and games. Today, competing and winning in an international sports forum is about bringing glory and pride to one’s nation. 

GOLDEN ERA OF SPORTS IN UNITED STATES

The 1920s has been called the Golden Age of American Sports. It also has been called the Age of the Spectator. The United States had a strong economy for most of that decade. Many workers had more leisure time. New and bigger stadiums and gymnasiums were built. The introduction of radio made it easier for fans to keep up with their favourite teams. Newspapers increased their coverage of sports.  Improvements in roads made it possible for fans to travel to athletic events in distant cities. For the first time, large numbers of Americans began to pay money to watch other people compete in athletic contests.

Baseball was the “national pastime” in the 1920s. More people went to baseball games, more people followed baseball, and more people played baseball for fun than any other sport. The most famous athlete in the United States in the 1920s was baseball star George Herman “Babe” Ruth, the right fielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth hit more home runs than any player had ever hit before. The pre-Ruth period in baseball was known as the "dead-ball era." 

The 1920s also was a decade when college football became more popular. Notre Dame, coached by Knute Rockne, became the most famous college football team. The best college teams could compete in bowl games, such as the famous Rose Bowl, held in California. However, professional football took root at the beginning of the decade with the establishment of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which quickly changed its name to the National Football League (NFL). 

Women and girls had limited opportunities for sports in the 1920s. Most schools had physical education classes for girls. Some educators thought that running, jumping, and sweating were not very ladylike. They opposed athletic competition for women. 

The 1920s ended with the beginning of the Great Depression. By that time, spectator sports had become such a major part of American life that they were able to survive through the hard times of the 1930s.

SPORTS JOURNALISM IN THE ERA OF YELLOW JOURNALISM

Flamboyant sports writing in the era of yellow journalism attracted newspaper readers and contributed to building a worldwide image of the United States as an economic, political, and athletic power.

SPORTS MINISTRY 

The ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India which administers the Department of Youth Affairs and Department of sports in India. The ministry's primary objectives are to develop and promote sports at all levels, create an environment conducive to the development of sports, and encourage youth participation in sports and physical activities. It is also responsible for formulating policies and programs to support the development of sports and youth activities across India. This ministry in India  is responsible for promoting sports, physical education, and youth development.

Anurag Thakur is the current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports followed by his Deputy Nisith Pramanik. The Ministry also gives the annual National Youth Awards , National Sports Awards in various categories, including the Arjuna Award and Major Dhayan Chand khel Ratna award. Overall, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plays a critical role in promoting sports and youth development in India and is essential for the growth and success of the country.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF A SPORTS REPORTER 

Sports reporters keep us informed about various sports events and happenings at local, national and international levels. S/he collects, compiles and disseminates information of the current sports events and issues.

• UNDERSTANDING OF THE ECONOMY OF SPORTS

In the era of globalization, a lot of multinational capital is involved in the sports industry. A sports reporter should understand different aspects of the economy of the sports ecosystem.

• KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPORTS TERMINOLOGY, LINGO AND VOCABULARY

Every sport has its unique terminology. There are specific terms for the position of players and different color cards of penalty. Similarly, the idioms and phrases for tennis and badminton are different. Knowledge of the technical terms for shots, positions, actions and acquaintance with the stories and idioms for various sports is important for a good sports reporter

.

• COMMAND OVER LANGUAGE 

A sports reporter must have the ability to communicate in simple and concise manner. A reporter must follow the 5 C’s of communication and make sure that his/her communication is clear, coherent, correct, comprehensive and concise. 

• KNOWLEDGE OF SPORTS LAWS 

A sports reporter should have an understanding of labour, antitrust, gender discrimination, trademarks, copyrights, contract and tort laws and related constitutional provisions. Knowledge of the above mentioned laws will help a sports reporter follow legal proceedings of the sports fraternity in a better manner.

• UNDERTSNADING THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE AUDIENCE/ READERS

A good sports reporter understands his/her target audience or readers.

• TRUTH AND OBJECTIVITY

It is probably difficult for a sports lover to not take sides in a match. But sports reporters cannot afford to take sides while writing reports or filing stories. A true and objective reporter will earn credibility in the long run. One must check and recheck information and base one’s report on evidence. If a sports reporter is biased, the public will stop believing on the reports and stories filed by him/her.

SPORTS REPORTING IN PRINT MEDIA 

M.V. Kamath in the July-September 2008 issue of Media Mimansa, states that S. Sadanand’s ‘Free Press Journal’ was the first newspaper in India to devote an entire page to sports with the well-known cricket commentator A.F.S. Talyarkhan as the sports editor. In late thirties, the Bombay (now Mumbai) edition of Times of India started a distinct sports page. Though a few magazines and a few newspapers were publishing news related to sports, yet it was only in the post- independence era that the idea of a regular sports page took importance in Indian newspapers. 

Rangaswamy Parthasarathy in “A Hundred Years of The Hindu” calls Kasturi Gopalan, the publisher, as the father of sports page for allotting a distinct section to sports in a daily newspaper for the first time, helped by Murugesa Mudaliar, sportsman in college days and the first sports writer of The Hindu. In fact, the sports journal ‘Sports and Past Time’ was also published by the same publication in 1947. The Ananda Bazar Patrika group in mid 1970s published ‘Sports World’ from Calcutta (now Kolkata). Another worthy mention would be the Chennai based fortnightly magazine ‘Sportstar’ which is being published for the past forty years now and has changed from tabloid to magazine format and vice versa quite a time in its history. 

Few other successful sports magazines in India are- ‘Golf Digest India’, ‘Cricket Samrat’, ‘Bike India’, ‘Cricinfo magazine’, etc. Kishore Bhimani, K. Sundar Rajan, Moti Nandi, V. M. Balachandran and T. D. Parthasarathy are some of the notable sports journalists of the print media. Golf based magazine ‘The American Golfer’, brought out by Walter Travis in 1908 and ‘Sports Illustrated’, brought out by Henry Luce in 1954 have been arguably some of the most successful sports magazines in the history of sports media. Publications like L’ Equipe (France), Marca (Spain), La Gazzettadello Sport (Italy), Kicker (Germany), Sporting News (America), are goals for sports writing and analysis one might look up to. 

SPORTS REPORTING IN RADIO AND TELEVISION 

During the mid twentieth century when around 80 percent people lived in villages and depended on agriculture for their living, Radio was the most apt media for them for definite reasons. In India, ‘live’ cricket commentary was heard in 1934 for the first time during the Bombay Quadrangular — a tournament played between teams representing the Hindus, the Muslims, the Parsis and the Europeans. In the year 2018, India’s first Radio sports channel was launched which covered almost all Olympic games through talk shows, news bulletins, audio documentaries, live commentaries, phone-in etc. The shows, broadcast on this Radio channel in Hindi and English, can be reached 24x 7 through mobile app named ‘Sports Flashes’. 

By 1929, one-third of American homes had a radio, which provided opportunity for sports publicity. Graham McNamee became the first official sports broadcaster in the 1920s with his error-filled blow-by-blow boxing commentary. NBC and CBS dominated the radio scene after finding profit in selling advertisement space during radio shows.

The Asian Games of 1982 was hosted by India and the games were held in Delhi. It was a matter of prestige for India to cover and broadcast the games over television. Doordarshan, the national broadcaster had monopoly over the broadcast of matches and sports events for several years. In the eighties, the DD show “The world of Sports”, broadcast at 04:30 pm every Sunday was quite popular. It featured talks on cricket, hockey, football, tennis and others. In the year 1999, Doordarshan launched DD Sports, which has been promoting domestic sports on the free-to-air platform. Some of the popular private sports channels in India are- Star Sports , Star Sports Hindi and Star Sports Tamil, Sony Ten, Neo Prime and Neo Sports, DSport, Jio Sports etc. Examples of some recognized sports shows telecast on television news channels are ‘SportsTop10’ofNDTV,‘TheGame’ofNews X, ‘Sports Tonight’ and ‘IBN Sports’ of CNN IBN. Other important television networks include Eurosport, ESPN and The Sports Network (TSN).

Internationally, The National Football League became American’s leading spectator sport due to its almost made-for-television excitement. ABC bagged the rights for 1961’s Wide World of Sports, 1970’s Monday Night Football, and legal rights to broadcast the Olympic Games. ABC Sports enhanced the entertainment value of televised football through the perfection of instant replay, slow-motion, and highlight reels. Between 1974 and 1984, network programming hours dedicated solely to sports doubled. Sports broadcasters became celebrities who could control rating through their entertainment value, thus earning big-name broadcasters annual seven-figure checks.

REPORTING SPORTS IN ONLINE MEDIA 

In February 1996, rediff.com began ball-by-ball text commentary. Adapting the digital platform is no longer a strategy but it has become rather a necessity for print and other media forms. Several technology enabled sports news platforms are producing internet content, covering various games and events. Today most of the sporting events are telecast online via HOTSTAR and SONY LIV app over mobile phones. Several sports web portals, blogs and sports news websites such as sportskeeda.com, Sports.yahoo.com, bleacherreport.com, cbssports.com, nbcsports.com, foxsports.com, deadspin.com etc. have become popular amongst sports lovers. 

In recent years, the New York Times Sports Department has been lauded for its innovative approach to the beat. It covered subjects like Brain Trauma, Doping in Horse Racing, Ultramarathoning, etc. Appreciated for the depth it brings to coverage and the ways it presents its work in both online and print. The most famous effort is Snow Fall, the Pulitzer Award-winning multimedia project about a fatal avalanche in Washington that launched a hundred imitators.

Sports also has a wealth of visual information and data, both which lend themselves digital storytelling. For the 2010 Olympics for instance, the Times created a sound based interactive feature to illustrate how close many of the race finishes were. “The metabolism of sports and metabolism of the web always seemed like a good match,” says Jim Brady. Guardian Sports Editor, San Ingle started having readers write in with questions and comments, which he would then post in the live blog.

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS 

• COMMONWEALTH GAMES 

The Commonwealth Games occurs every 4 years. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) controls both the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games. Participants are from 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. This covers about 1/3 of the world's population. The destination changes for each event.

• OLYMPIC GAMES

Olympics is a major international multi-sport event in which almost all countries of the world participate in different sports. It aims to cultivate people and world peace through sports and is organized by IOC (International Olympics Committee) after every four years. The Olympics started around 2300 years ago in the Olympia region of ancient Greece but ended in 393 due to wars but again started after a gap of around 1500 years when first modern Olympics games held in Athens, Greece; the native place of the Olympic Games. The symbol of the Olympic Games, which was designed by Baron de Coubertin, expresses the unity among the five continents of the world.

• FIFA WORLD CUP

It is also known as football world cup. The event is held every four years by FIFA (Federation International de Football Association). FIFA was established in 1904 for the continuous improvement of the football. At present, it has more than 200 teams as its member association. The senior football men's national teams of the FIFA's members take part in this international sporting event. The first FIFA world cup was played in 1930. In 1942 and 1946 it could be not organized due to the Second World War. As per its current format, there are 32 teams that compete with each other for this title.

• WIMBLEDON TENNIS

Wimbledon is one of the greatest sports events in the world. It is also the oldest tennis championship in the world. Since 1877, it is being held in late June or early July at All It is a Grand Slam tennis tournament like the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. It is the only tennis tournament that is still played on grass which is the original surface of this game and from which it derived its original name of "lawn tennis." The first WC was held in 1877 at one of the lawns of All England Club. Besides this, in the year of 1884, women's championship was introduced at Wimbledon, and Mixed Doubles and Women's Doubles were introduced in 1913, and more

• THE ASIAN GAMES

The Asian Games, which is also known as Asiad, is a world-famous continental multi-sport event that is held every four years. Athletes from all Asian countries participate in the event. More than half of the world's population belong to Asia so the sporting events in Asia are likely to be huge events.

The first edition of Asian Games was held in 1951 in New Delhi, India. The Asian Games Federation (AGF) was organizing this event until 1978. However, since 1982, after the breakup of the Asian Games Federation, it is being organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the Asian Games, which is the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. Until 2019, it has been hosted by nine countries with participation from 46 countries. The 18 edition of this event was held in 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia. The symbol of this event consists of a rising sun with interlocking rings.

AWARDS

• RAJIV GANDHI KHEL RATNA OR MAJOR DHYAN CHAND KHEL RATNA AWARD

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (RGKR) is India's highest honour given for achievement in sports. The words "Khel Ratna" literally mean "sports gem" in Hindi. The award is named after the late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It carries a medal, a scroll of honour and a substantial cash component. Up to 2004-05, the cash component was Rs. 500,000/-. The money has been increased from Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000

• ARJUNA AWARD

The Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961 by the government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in National sports; it is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll. India’s football Olympian PK Banerjee was among the 20 recipients of the Arjuna Award in its inaugural edition in 1961. Hockey player Anna Lumsden was the first woman to win the Arjuna Award.

• DRONACHARYA AWARD

Dronacharya Award instituted in 1985 , which is India 's highest sports honour for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games’  for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sports persons to excel in International events.The award comprises a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, a scroll of honour and a cash component of Rs.15,00,000. Wrestling coach Bhalchandra Bhaskar Bhagwat, boxing mentor Om Prakash Bharadwaj and legendary athletics coach OM Nambiar, credited for moulding Indian sprint queen PT Usha’s career, were among the first Dronacharya Award winners. The first woman to win the Dronacharya award was athletics coach Renu Kohli in 2002.

• MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD TROPHY

The oldest National Sports Awards in India, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy or the MAKA Trophy was instituted in 1956–1957. Named in honour of Indian freedom fighter and the country’s first education minister Abul Kalam Azad, the award is given to the university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last one year.

• LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS

The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony honouring seven categories  (Sportswoman, Sportsman, Team, Breakthrough, Comeback, Action and Sport for Good).It was founded in 1999, and the first award ceremony was held in Monte Carlo in 2000. The Laureus World Sports Awards are frequently referred to as the "Oscars" of sports. 

IMPORTANT SCHEMES TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN INDIA

1) FIT INDIA MOVEMENT

FIT INDIA movement was launched on 29th August , 2019 by Hon'ble Prime Minister at Indira Gandhi stadium , New Delhi with a view to make fitness an integral part of our daily life. It is a nation wide movement in India to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their daily activities .

2) KHELO INDIA PROGRAM 

Khelo India Program was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The purpose of this program was to improve India's sports culture at the grassroot level through organised talent identification, structured sporting competitions and infrastructure development. The khelo India Programme aimed to award a scholarship of 5 lakhs each year for 8 years to 1000 selected athletes. Moreover, the government promised to support about 15 to 20 institutions in India as the centre for Sports excellence.

3) TARGET OLYMPIC PODIUM SCHEME(TOPS)

It was launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This was done in order to improve India’s performance at Olympics and Paralympics.The chief objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance and other help to athletes in their pursuit of medals in the Olympics and other international sporting events. Under this scheme, athletes and sportspersons will get customized training from top coaches at modern and well-equipped sports facilities and institutions. The sports persons are also given assistance for buying sport-specific equipment. The Scheme currently supports 98 TOPS Core Group athletes across 13 sports disciplines & Hockey (M & W) teams and 165 TOPS Development Group athletes across 12 sports disciplines.

4) THE NATIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FUND 

National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890 and was notified by the Government of India in November, 1998. The purpose of the fund is to impart momentum and flexibility to assisting the cause of sports in India. It helps sportsperson excel by providing them with varied opportunities to train under coaches of international repute, provide financial assistance for development of infrastructure and other activities for promotion of sports.

SPORTS AND EDUCATION

Sports and education are two important aspects of life that can complement each other in many ways. Sports are a great way to keep the body fit and healthy. They help students develop discipline, focus, and motivation, which can carry over into their academic work. Sports provide opportunities for students to work together towards a common goal. This helps them develop important skills such as communication, leadership, and cooperation. 

Across several colleges in Delhi, at least 5 percent of the total sanctioned strength at the college is to be reserved for sports and extra- curriculum categories combined. Athletic scholarships are also given to students by multiple institutions in India, recognising and honouring young students' desire for a particular sport.

 

SPORTS COMPLEXES/CENTRES

• THE NARENDRA MODI STADIUM

Formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium (old structure), is a cricket stadium situated in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, India. It is the largest stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators.

• JAWAHARLAL NEHRU STADIUM

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a multi-sports stadium located in New Delhi, India. It is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Primarily a venue for football and athletics, it is an all-seated 60,254 capacity stadium, designed and constructed to meet the international standards for stadiums set by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF). It is the fourth largest stadium in India, 27th largest stadium in Asia and the 103rd largest stadium in the world, in terms of seating capacity.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was originally constructed by the Government of India to host the athletic events and ceremonies of the 1982 Asian Games. It also hosted the 1989 Asian Championships in Athletics. The stadium was substantially renovated and modernised for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, hosting all the track and field events and opening and closing ceremonies.

• SIRI FORT SPORTS COMPLEX

Siri Fort Sports Complex has been set up by the Delhi Development Authority as a part of development and growth of Sports in Delhi. The complex was built in 1989, next to the Asian Games village by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which also runs the facility now. Also close by is the Siri Fort Auditorium complex. It has various sporting facilities like flood lit Tennis, Basketball, Golf Driving Range, an Indoor Badminton Stadium and playing facilities for Squash, Table Tennis, Billiards, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Aerobics, Yoga, Taekwondo, Multi gym, Swimming, Mini Golf Course, Jogging, Croquet, Skating, Shooting , Reiki, Naturopathy & Children Park. Facilities like Kruv Maga, Western Dance, Ballet and Jazz have recently been added.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION

• The International Sports Press Association, AIPS, was founded in 1924 during the Olympic Games in Paris, at the headquarters of the Sporting Club de France.

• History of Sports Journalism/Sports Beat is inextricably linked to the history of Olympics. In 1727, The Racing Calendar offers information about races and their results. Therefore, Horse Racing was the first “sport” to get coverage in print.

FILMS CENTRED AROUND SPORTS

• CHAK DE! INDIA

An amazing performance by Shahrukh Khan released it 2007. His character, Kabir Khan, the coach of the Indian Women's National Hockey Team, dreams of making his all-girls team emerge victorious against all odds.

• BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG

Based on the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete and Olympian who was a champion of the Commonwealth Games and two-time 400m champion of the Asian Games. It is a true story released in 2013 of `the Flying Sikh' - world champion runner and Olympian Milkha Singh who overcame the massacre of his family and the civil war during the India-Pakistan partition.

• MARY KOM

A chronicle of the life of Indian boxer Mary Kom, the movie released in 2014. The movie walks us through several hardships of Mary Kom for audaciously accomplishing her ultimate dream. It showcases the challenges and obstacles that women face in pursuing sports, especially in a male-dominated field like boxing. Mary Kom, the protagonist, fights against all odds to become a world-class boxer, overcoming gender stereotypes, societal norms, and personal struggles.

• DANGAL

After his failure at winning a gold medal for the country, Mahavir Phogat vows to realize his dreams by training his daughters for the Commonwealth Games despite societal pressures.

• GOLD

Gold released in 2018 is about how Tapan Das manager of Gold winning Indian hockey team during British rule dreams of bringing Gold medal to the country post-Independence. India is nearing Independence and Tapan finds news of 1948 Olympics. Tapan prepares his own team for the upcoming Olympics. However, during the partition team also gets divided along with the country.

SPORTS & MASS MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Sports photographers face a wide variety of challenges. Every sport is different, and requires specialized knowledge to get the best pictures. Most sports photographers regularly photograph the “big three”: football, basketball and baseball.

In order to take good sports photos, one must have good timing; quick reflexes; and knowledge of the sport.

To take sharp sports shots, use a monopod or chest pod, focus on an area, and wait for the action to move to that area, try to let your auto-focus keep up with the action as you follow it with your camera. The photographer should favour a high shutter speed to stop action. Minimum will probably be 500 (1/500 sec). Keep in mind you often shoot in poorly lit areas with long, and therefore slower, lenses. Anticipate the moment. In some sports, such as diving, the action actually stops at the peak moment.

A General Approach

Get shots of the athletes warming up, particularly the most important ones. That way, if you miss that athlete making a key play, you still have a shot the editor can use. Get a program so you can identify players by number. Most sports editors want players identified. Take notes for photos you think will be good. Note the players’ names, what was happening, so you can write good cutlines later. 

FUTURE OF SPORTS JOURNALISM

• According to Sara Morrison, CJR, in the future, sport’s journalism’s propensity for innovation may even put journalists out of job.

• Narrative Science, the so-called robot journalism service began as “stats monkey” which could turn baseball stats into a full-fledged article, headline included.

• NY Time’s “Fourth Down Bot” crunches 10 years-worth of data to make predictions in real time of what NFL teams will do in a 4th down situation.

• The first remarkable event in the history of sports journalism in India was the introduction of a sports page by a leading English daily of Bombay in the late thirties. This bold and ‘revolutionary’ step was resented by some readers who had no interest in sports but the majority of the readers liked it. Its sports page became so popular that other newspapers followed suit.

• Today there are sports columns in all daily newspapers.  

CURRENT PROBLEMS AND ISSUES 

• Despite being the second most populated nation and one of the largest economies in the world, the number of active participation for a sport in our country is very small.

• Most of the players who have achieved international applause seem to have done so by their individual brilliance and Dogged perseverance, rather than any institutionalised effort or encouragement and support from the government. In India, it is a sad reality that several champions in the country had to struggle to avail basic requirements like shoes, kits, training, proper diet and nutrition etc. to pursue their sports. 

• Corruption, social and economic inequalities , ineffective talent identification methods,  lack of world class infrastructure have often been touted as the reason for failure in establishing a sports culture in the country. 

• Moreover,  the Indian constitution places 'sports' in the state list which has resulted in disparity and non-uniform development of sports infrastructure in India.

• Apart from all this , an  infamous Indian populace – “Padhoge likhoge toh banoge nawab, kheloge kudoge toh Banoge Kharab!” aptly sums up society's attitude towards sports. Unless this fundamental approach to sports changes, it is quite an uphill task to promote sports among the youth in the manner it should be done. 

COMPILED BY- RIVKA VASUDEVA

Supplements in a newspaper: REP

A newspaper supplement is a separately bound publication that accompanies a newspaper, often focusing on specific themes like real estate, automobiles, education, or entertainment. Here are some key features:

Targeted Content: Supplements cater to specific audiences, offering in-depth coverage on a particular subject.

Advertising-Focused: Many supplements are designed to attract advertisers, providing a platform for businesses to reach niche markets.

Independent Production: Unlike regular newspaper sections, supplements are often prepared by the advertising team rather than the editorial staff.

Special Editions: Some supplements are spin-offs from newspapers and are sold separately, such as the Times Literary Supplement.

Community Engagement: Local newspapers frequently publish themed supplements that resonate with their readership and advertisers.

A newspaper supplement differs from the main newspaper in several ways:

Focus & Content: The main newspaper covers a broad range of news, including politics, business, and current affairs, while supplements focus on specific themes like lifestyle, entertainment, or education.

Depth of Coverage: Supplements often provide in-depth analysis or feature stories, whereas the main newspaper prioritizes breaking news and daily updates.

Advertising & Sponsorship: Many supplements are advertiser-driven, offering businesses a platform to target niche audiences, whereas the main newspaper balances news reporting with advertisements.

Distribution: Supplements are usually included for free with the main newspaper, but some specialized ones—like the Times Literary Supplement—are sold separately.

Tone & Style: The main newspaper maintains a formal, journalistic tone, while supplements may adopt a lighter, more engaging style, especially for entertainment or lifestyle content.

Writing for a newspaper supplement differs from writing for the main newspaper in several ways:

Tone & Style: Supplements often adopt a lighter, more engaging tone, especially for lifestyle, entertainment, or feature stories, whereas the main newspaper maintains a formal, journalistic approach.

Depth & Focus: While the main newspaper prioritizes breaking news and daily updates, supplements provide in-depth analysis or specialized content on topics like education, travel, or health.

Audience Targeting: Supplements cater to specific readerships, such as business professionals, students, or families, whereas the main newspaper serves a broader audience.

Advertising Influence: Many supplements are advertiser-driven, meaning content may align with commercial interests, whereas the main newspaper balances news reporting with advertisements.

Visual Presentation: Supplements often feature more graphics, images, and creative layouts, making them visually appealing compared to the traditional newspaper format.

हिन्दी पत्रकारिता दिवस और राष्ट्रपति भवन में एक विशिष्ट आयोजन: 29-30 May, 2025

राष्ट्रपति महामहिम द्रौपदी मुर्मू की पहल पर 29-30 मई को साहित्य अकादमी, संस्कृति मंत्रालय भारत सरकार द्वारा दो दिवसीय 'साहित्यिक सम्मिलन: कितना बदल चुका है साहित्य?' राष्ट्रपति भवन के सांस्कृतिक केंद्र में आयोजित किया गया। अपनी तरह के इस अनूठे आयोजन में जाकर विद्वान वक्ताओं को सुन कर समृद्ध हुई...

राष्ट्रपति भवन का आतिथ्य उसकी गरिमा के अनुरूप था...

इस सुंदर प्रयास के लिए राष्ट्रपति भवन और साहित्य अकादमी को साधुवाद। #K.SreenivasRao  ने साहित्य को एक नई ऊंचाई दी है। Ministry of Culture  #vartikananda Mahesh Bhardwaj Samayik Prakashan Ashok Chakradhar Bageshri Chakradhar Rajshekhar Vyas

Community Newspapers

 (These notes are compiled for the benefit of the students. This blog is a public service initiative, with no commercial interests involved) 

Community journalism is locally-oriented, professional news coverage that typically focuses on city neighborhoods, individual suburbs or small towns, rather than metropolitan, state, national or world news.

If it covers wider topics, community journalism concentrates on the effect they have on local readers. Community newspapers, often but not always publish weekly, and also tend to cover subjects larger news media do not. Some examples of topics are students on the honor roll at the local high school, school sports, crimes such as vandalism, zoning issues and other details of community life. However, such "hyperlocal" articles are sometimes dismissed as "chicken dinner" stories.

Leo Lerner, founder of Chicago's erstwhile Lerner Newspapers, used to say, "A fistfight on Clark Street is more important to our readers than a war in Europe."[1]

An increasing number of community newspapers are now owned by large media organizations, although many rural papers are still "mom and pop" operations.

Most community journalists are professionally trained reporters and editors. Some specialized training programs in community journalism have recently emerged at established undergraduate and graduate journalism programs. Community journalism should not be confused with the work of citizen journalists, who are often unpaid amateurs, or with civic journalism, although many community newspapers practice that.

At the "Emerging Mind of Community Journalism" conference in Anniston, Ala., in 2006, participants created a list characterizing community journalism: community journalism is intimate, caring, and personal; it reflects the community and tells its stories; and it embraces a leadership role.[2]

If you want more of a definition, I'm afraid it's like when someone asked Louie Armstrong for a definition of jazz. The great Satchmo is reputed to have replied something like this: 'Man, if you have to ask, it won't do me any good to try to explain.' You know community journalism when you see it; it is the heartbeat of American journalism, journalism in its natural state." — Jock Lauterer

Figures

In 1995, there were the following community papers:

124 Alternative

192 Black

160 Ethnic

43 Gay and Lesbian

132 Hispanic

106 Jewish

134 Military

155 Parenting

128 Religious

132 Senior

In the United States, about 97% of newspapers are classified as "community" newspapers, with circulations below 50,000. Others in the field say the circulation limit should be 30,000. However, in her book Saving Community Journalism, Penny Abernathy argues that most newspapers under 100,000 should consider themselves community newspapers because their reason for being is service to a community or a group of communities.

History

Community journalism got its name from a Montana editor, Ken Byerly, early in his tenure as a professor of journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1957-71. Although the term is relatively new, community journalism has been around since the founding fathers. He used the term as a new name for a course that had been titled "Editing the Country Weekly" because it didn't fit the suburban newspapers that had developed in the 1950s. He chose community journalism because it fit both the weeklies and small dailies of the day.[3]

The journalism debate

Not everyone agrees on the principles or practices of community journalism. Traditionally, journalists advocate avoiding any real or perceived conflict of interests, which can be anything from refraining from joining community groups, to not pledging money to a candidate they support. Community journalism, however, encourages the coverage of news that hits close to home, even for the journalist covering the story.

Some philosophers encourage professional journalists to remain independent, whereas others insist on committing to local and generalized communities as a prerequisite for true citizenship. Some say community involvement is fine for editors and publishers, but not for the reporters who have the ability to "shape" the news. Critics say this involvement is a risk for anyone involved in producing the news.[4]

Clifford Christians, co-author of Good News Social Ethics and the Press, urges journalists to realize that their publics may gravitate toward self-interest, and therefore the journalists should report stories that lessen the isolationism that comes from reading wider, world-based stories.[5] A fundamental flaw in community journalism is the stubborn resistance to change and a compulsion to shape the system to maintain community standards.

Loyalty to a community is the inevitable price of acceptance, and the fee is creating sharp conflicts with allegiance to the truth. Through community journalism, attitudes about necessary information change from the need for a broad range of information (pluralism) to a reliance on information necessary to maintain community values and fortify the status quo (reinforcement).

Sooner or later group importance could transcend the value of distributing accurate information both internally to members of the group, and externally about the community or group.[6]

Others think the switch toward community journalism is a natural reaction to our out-of-touch mega media. J. Herbert Altschull, writer of "A Crisis of Conscience: Is Community Journalism the Answer?" sees community journalism as a natural outgrowth from concerns of the media's slippage in credibility and influence.[7]

Purpose of Community Newspapers

 Why Local Matters

Posted on November 5, 2024 | by Al DiCroce

In an era dominated by digital media and national news outlets, community newspapers remain a crucial part of our local ecosystems. These small but powerful publications are crucial for the social and cultural fabric of our communities by not only providing a platform for local voices but also fostering community engagement, promoting transparency, and supporting economic growth.

Rooted in Local Relevance

Community newspapers focus on the issues that matter most to their readers — town council decisions, local events, business openings, and school achievements. Unlike national publications that cover broad or sensational topics, community newspapers bring hyper-local stories that would otherwise go unreported. These stories inform residents about developments affecting their daily lives and help them make decisions about the issues impacting their neighborhoods.

Fostering a Sense of Community

From spotlighting local heroes to covering high school sports, community newspapers create a sense of pride and belonging. Community newspapers highlight the events, causes and stories that bring people together building a shared understanding and connection to the community.

Holding Local Power Accountable

Just as national newspapers investigate and report on federal or state matters, community newspapers serve as watchdogs for local government. They report on town council meetings, zoning decisions, school board developments, and other civic matters, keeping residents informed and holding officials accountable. This transparency builds a sense of trust and engagement within the community, ensuring that decision-makers are scrutinized and that public voices are heard.

Providing a Platform for Local Businesses

Small businesses depend on affordable advertising, and community newspapers offer just that. Advertising in a community paper reaches the right audience — local people likely to become loyal customers. Additionally, these publications often feature business spotlights, interviews with local entrepreneurs, and “Best of” contests, all of which give small businesses visibility. This mutual support between the community paper and local businesses contributes to a thriving local economy.

Championing Local Stories and People

In the midst of large, impersonal news coverage, community newspapers make space for stories of the people and places that give a community its character. Whether it’s an artist’s new gallery, a student’s academic achievements, or the retirement of a longtime volunteer, these papers celebrate the unique accomplishments of individuals who might otherwise go unrecognized. They capture the milestones and narratives that form a town’s identity.

Filling Gaps Left by Digital Media

Social media may be quick to highlight breaking news, but it lacks the depth that community newspapers provide. Unlike social media, which can be rife with misinformation, community newspapers are rooted in journalistic integrity. They report with accuracy and focus on what benefits readers in meaningful ways.

Promoting Civic Engagement

Local newspapers encourage civic engagement by educating the public on local issues. Whether it’s voting in municipal elections, attending town hall meetings, or simply volunteering, these publications provide the context that helps people understand why their participation matters. An informed and engaged population is the backbone of any community, and newspapers play an essential role in making that happen.

Supporting Literacy and Habitual Reading

Community newspapers cultivate reading habits within the community, fostering literacy and lifelong learning. Many readers, young and old, develop their knowledge of current events, history, and civics through local news. This not only strengthens individuals’ understanding but also enriches the collective knowledge of the community.

A Source of Continuity and Tradition

Community newspapers often have a deep-rooted history within their towns. Many have been around for generations, telling the stories of the community’s growth, struggles, and triumphs. They create a thread that connects past, present, and future generations, giving residents a sense of belonging and continuity.

Supporting Community Newspapers: An Investment in Local Identity

Local newspapers are essential to maintaining an informed, connected, and empowered population. Supporting them through subscriptions, readership, or advertising is an investment in your community. So, the next time you pick up a community newspaper, remember you’re holding a piece of local culture and identity, keeping you connected to what’s happening in your own backyard.

 

Organizations

The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, which has 260 members in seven countries (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand), encourages and promotes independent editorial comment, news content, and leadership in community newspapers throughout the world. Its purpose is to help those involved in the community press improve standards of editorial writing and news reporting and to encourage strong, independent editorial voices.

Examples

Portland, ME

A publication devoted solely to state education reform was created by Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Editor, Lou Ureneck and Maine Council of Churches, Sarah Campbell. Their primary objective was to create study circles to dispense information to the public on the different perspectives on education:

To prepare one for a job

To teach lifelong learning

To develop good citizens

To teach the basics

This newspaper, as with many community journalism publications, has sole control over editorial content. The content itself is very important and relevant to Maine communities and revolves around "core value" choices, as determined by the community. The community journalist reporters were required to give readers a background on each perspective and to "write an expository rather than conventional he-said/she-said style."

The publication ran more than 100 inches of factual reporting on education in Maine, as well as op-ed pieces promoting one of the four perspectives, and summary reports on the opposing viewpoint. The newspaper was received well, and, as a result, roughly 700 community members took part in the reader roundtables.

Virginia

The Virginian Pilot is a second example of a community newspaper. This publication sought to "show how the community works or could work" and to "portray democracy in the fullest sense of the word, whether in a council chamber or a cul-de-sac."

Known as the Public Life Team, they meet with panels of citizens regularly to "tap their thoughts and dreams for the regions' future." Additionally, they have changed the perception of criminal sentencing from a polarized issue to one that rehabilitation advocates were in favor of. Finally, they opened a line of communication between various community members for the Hall Place neighborhood. "The Pilot got black and white residents to talk freely about the plan." Without the assistance of the Pilot, the community would not have come to the conclusion that it "ought to be what was good for the city as a whole."

This publication in particular has paved way for other community journalists, mainly due to its experimental nature and eagerness to give reporters the opportunity to brainstorm ideas together. Overall, the Pilot wants to improve the tone of public discourse in the Virginian community.

London, United Kingdom

Fitzrovia News is an example from a central London neighbourhood. Residents and volunteers produce a quarterly printed newspaper delivered free to all residential addresses and local businesses in the district of Fitzrovia. The paper which also has a website and social media network covers issues of concern to residents and small businesses. Originally called The Tower it is perhaps the United Kingdom's oldest community newspaper.

Linear and Non-Linear Editing

 (These notes are compiled for the benefit of the students. This blog is a public service initiative, with no commercial interests involved) 

Modern video editing software allows professionals and amateurs to arrange/ edit clips in their desired order. This method is called nonlinear editing, though one can also appreciate traditional linear editing.

What is linear editing?

Linear editing, or tape-to-tape editing, is the process of arranging images and audio recordings in chronological order. Because editing clips that you already added to the sequence is challenging, it's important to establish a predetermined order of events when using this method.

One of the most popular applications of linear editing was for movies and TV shows that used traditional film. Editors would cut film strips into different scenes and glue them together to create a logical sequence. Linear editing also applies to workflows that involve recordings on camcorders and VCRs.

For instance, consider someone using footage from a camcorder and VCR. If they want to begin the movie with footage from the camcorder, they load the tape into a source deck. They scrub to the desired scene, set an in-point and set an out-point after scrubbing to the final frame of the scene.

The source deck feeds into a record deck that records the scene and stops the recording once it reaches the outpoint. The editor can add the next scene to the record deck by loading the VCR tape into the source deck and repeating the scrubbing process.

What is nonlinear editing?

Non-linear editing is a more versatile method for creating movies. It involves the arrangement of images and sounds in any order and relies on advanced nonlinear editing computer software.

Editors can use footage from various source materials and start in the middle or at the end of segments. They can also copy and paste clips, restore deleted segments and edit a clip's color, brightness and contrast.

For instance, consider an advertiser who wants to film a promotional video for a new product. They upload two videos that feature people using the product and narration audio to their editing software. They can intercut the footage together to establish the video's pace and add a separate track so that the narration plays over the two videos.

The software makes it relatively simple to trim footage, change the order of clips and delete clips without affecting the rest of the sequence. The advertiser can also add music and text to the screen to encourage customers to buy the product.

Non-Linear Editing vs. Linear Editing

Linear editing is a traditional method where images and audio recordings are arranged in chronological order. This method was popular for movies and TV shows that used traditional film. Editors would cut film strips into different scenes and glue them together to create a logical sequence. Linear editing also applies to workflows that involve recordings on camcorders and VCRs

Non-linear editing, on the other hand, is a more versatile method that involves the arrangement of images and sounds in any order using advanced computer software. Editors can use footage from various sources and start editing from any point in the sequence. They can also copy and paste clips, restore deleted segments, and edit a clip's color, brightness, and contrast

Key Differences

Preservation of Quality

 Linear editing requires recording a tape from the source deck to the record deck, a process called dubbing, which results in a generational loss of quality. Even high-quality tapes and decks result in some loss of quality. Nonlinear editing, however, maintains the original files, preserving the quality regardless of the number of edits made

Flexibility

Linear editing is less flexible as it is challenging to correct mistakes. For instance, if you wanted to switch the order of clips, you would need to start a new recording. Nonlinear editing allows for easy rearrangement of clips without starting a new project

Time

Linear editing can be time-consuming due to the need for careful planning and selection of clips to prevent extensive revisions later. Nonlinear editing is more efficient as it allows for instant playback and adjustments, helping editors develop new ideas and be as efficient as possible

Modern Usage

Due to the accessibility of advanced editing software, linear editing is relatively obsolete today. Nonlinear editing is more common as it allows for more creative freedom and easier correction of mistakes. However, linear editing may still be used for educational purposes, simplicity, or achieving a specific aesthetic

Educational purposes: Some film schools teach linear editing while exposing students to the history of the film. Learning about this technique can also develop your knowledge base and improve your nonlinear editing skills.

Simplicity: Linear editing may be appropriate when you want to prevent format conflicts and quickly cut together a few video sections. For instance, you might upload clip A to your video editing software and add clip B directly after it without making any alterations.

Aesthetics: Despite the advent of modern recording technology, some filmmakers may want to use film or a camcorder. Achieving your desired aesthetic with these traditional mediums requires you to understand linear editing.

In summary, while linear editing has its roots in traditional film editing, nonlinear editing offers greater flexibility, efficiency, and quality preservation, making it the preferred method in modern video editing workflows.

Piece to camera: REP

Introduction

In modern television journalism, the visual presence of the reporter plays a critical role in storytelling. One of the key tools that amplify a reporter’s presence and authority is the Piece to Camera (PTC). As the name suggests, a PTC is when a reporter or presenter addresses the audience directly through the camera lens. Though it may appear as just a short segment, typically lasting 20 to 40 seconds, its impact on the credibility, engagement, and clarity of the report is profound.

Definition and Core Concept

A piece to camera is the news television term used for when a presenter or a character speaks directly to the viewing audience through the camera. It is most common when a news reporter is reporting or explaining items to the viewing audience. Indeed, news bulletins usually take the form of a combination of both interviews, visuals and piece to cameras. In simpler terms, a PTC is when a journalist comes in front of the camera to speak about an ongoing issue, giving context, updates, or conclusions related to a report. It helps establish not just the location and timing but also the emotional and narrative core of the report.

Pieces to Camera (PTCs) are a way of adding impact and help to bring immediacy and authority to a report. A PTC - that is, talking in vision direct to camera - can add something extra to your report. It can be used to indicate scale, the passage of time or significance.

Types of Piece to Camera

A well-structured television news package often uses more than one PTC, each with a distinct purpose and placement. While broadly categorized into three major types - Opening, Bridge (Mid), and Closing PTC - each category can be further subdivided based on narrative role, camera movement, and presentational style.

1. Opening PTC (Introductory Piece to Camera)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuDIXkBrRd8

The Opening PTC is used at the very beginning of a report, where the journalist introduces themselves, the location, and the context of the news story. It sets the tone for the viewer, positioning the reporter as a credible eyewitness or presenter on the ground. This type of PTC is typically shot on location, with the background chosen to reinforce the subject of the story. For example, during coverage of political rallies or environmental disasters, This not only provides visual authenticity but also invites the viewer into the scene. There are variations within Opening PTCs as well, such as the static intro where the reporter stands still and delivers their lines, and the walk-in intro where the reporter walks into frame and begins speaking, offering a more dynamic visual.

Purpose:

Introduces the news story.

Sets the tone and establishes the setting.

Introduces the reporter to the audience.

Creates immediate audience engagement.

Features:

Usually shot in a mid-shot or medium-close-up.

Takes place on location, relevant to the news subject.

Delivered in a clear, authoritative tone.

2. Bridge PTC / Mid PTC (Narrative Transition PTC)

Pieces to Camera - BBC Academy 2015

The second type is the Bridge or Mid PTC, which is used in the middle of the news report to maintain continuity, offer updates, or transition between visuals and interviews. This form of PTC is especially useful when the available footage is insufficient or when a significant development needs to be contextualized on camera. The reporter may walk while delivering the PTC (walk-through style), or demonstrate a specific process or detail within the environment (demonstrative PTC). For instance, Barkha Dutt, while reporting on the COVID-19 crisis for MoJo Story, frequently used walk-through mid-PTCs as she moved across hospitals or crematoriums, explaining the worsening situation: “As you saw earlier, hospitals are overwhelmed, but families continue to gather outside, desperate for oxygen or a bed.” This type of PTC helps to guide the viewer through the story, adding depth and nuance, and is often more emotionally charged than the opening.

Purpose:

Provides continuity between story segments.

Offers new updates or analysis mid-story.

Fills in where there’s limited footage (helps transition).

Highlights a particular moment or change in tone.

Features:

Often used with walk-through shots.

May involve interaction with the environment or people.

Can be used for demonstration journalism — showing how something works or happens.

3. Closing PTC (Conclusive/Sign-off Piece to Camera)

The final type is the Closing PTC, delivered at the end of the report. It acts as a conclusive remark, summarizing the story, sometimes offering final insights, and most importantly, providing sign-off information. This includes the reporter’s name, the name of the camera person, the location, and the media channel. Closing PTCs often follow a structured format and serve both editorial and ethical purposes by ensuring due credit and location authenticity. For example, a typical closing PTC might read: “With cameraman Aardra Biju, this is Akanksha Chaudhary reporting from Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, for LSR News.” This formality gives the report a professional finish and also allows the anchor in the studio to reconnect with the audience. Some reporters add reflective lines at the end of the closing PTC to leave a question or thought in the viewer’s mind, such as: “Whether the authorities will act on these grievances remains to be seen.”

Purpose:

Summarizes the story.

Provides the final interpretation or reflection.

Shares attribution: journalist, cameraman, location, and channel.

Features:

Formal tone.

Ends with the reporter’s sign-off.

Often used to leave a lasting impression or provoke thought.

Sub-types:

Standard Sign-off: Mentions reporter, cameraman, location, and channel.

Call-to-Action Sign-off: Ends with a reflective or investigative prompt (e.g., “...only time will tell what comes next”).

Sample: NDTV | School story | 25th July 2000 | Head of Crime Beat | Vartika Nanda - YouTube

Anchor Hand-off: Ends with a line that leads back to the anchor in the studio.

Example 1: NDTV

“With video journalist Shyam Prakash, this is Anurag Dwary reporting from Bhopal for NDTV.”

Example 2: Al Jazeera

“This was Zeina Khodr, from the frontlines of Syria’s civil war. Back to you in Doha.”

4. Additional PTC Formats (Modern Subtypes)

In today’s digital age, variations of these standard types are also emerging. Live PTCs, often delivered during breaking news broadcasts, require the reporter to speak without a script while staying composed under pressure. Social media-specific PTCs are shorter, more informal, and tailored to Instagram or Twitter audiences, often shot selfie-style with a mobile phone. Additionally, vox pop-linked PTCs are crafted to react to or introduce public opinion clips, and are commonly seen on platforms like The Quint or Scroll.

A. Live PTC

Delivered during live broadcasts, often from breaking news scenes.

Requires real-time adaptability and confidence.

Example: Aaj Tak’s reporters during live election result coverage.

B. Vox Pop-Linked PTC

Begins or ends with a lead-in or response to public opinion clips (vox pops).

Example: “You’ve just heard what the citizens have to say. Now, let’s understand the government’s stand on this issue.”

C. Social Media/Short-Form PTC

Recorded vertically for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube Shorts.

Informal, fast-paced, and often directly engaging.

Example: The Quint or Scroll.in field reporters doing selfie-style PTCs.

The Importance of Piece to Camera in Journalism

The Piece to Camera (PTC) is an essential element in visual journalism that significantly contributes to the credibility, coherence, and communicative power of a news story. Its importance lies not only in the act of speaking to the camera but also in what that moment represents: the humanisation of the report, the embodiment of journalistic presence, and the direct connection with the viewer.

1. Establishes the Journalist’s Credibility and Presence

One of the primary functions of a PTC is to make the reporter a visible and accountable figure in the storytelling process. In a media ecosystem where trust in news is increasingly fragile, viewers are more likely to believe and engage with a report when they can see the journalist physically present at the scene. A well-delivered PTC shows the audience that the reporter has been there, investigated the story firsthand, and is confident in their narration. This reinforces journalistic credibility and transparency.

For example, when Ravish Kumar delivers a PTC from a flood-affected area in Bihar, standing in waist-deep water, it not only shows his commitment but also authenticates the crisis for the viewer. The PTC becomes proof of proximity to the issue — a mark of journalistic integrity.

2. Humanises the Story

Journalism is not just about facts and figures; it's about people, emotions, and impact. The presence of the reporter on camera adds a human face to often abstract or complex stories. It introduces body language, tone, and expression, allowing the audience to sense the seriousness, urgency, or emotional weight of the situation. In emotionally heavy stories — such as natural disasters, mass protests, or humanitarian crises — the reporter’s facial expressions and vocal tone can communicate empathy or gravity that voice-overs alone may fail to convey.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barkha Dutt’s PTCs from crematoriums and hospital gates conveyed both journalistic duty and shared human grief. These moments of on-camera reflection invited audiences into a shared space of national trauma, making the storytelling more intimate and real.

3. Provides Narrative Structure and Continuity

A typical news report comprises multiple components — visuals, interviews, data graphics, voiceovers, and external clips. The PTC functions as a binding thread that weaves these components into a coherent whole. Through Opening, Mid, and Closing PTCs, the reporter introduces the subject, explains transitions, and wraps up the narrative. This structure helps the viewer follow the logical progression of the story, making it easier to digest and retain.

The Mid-PTC is especially useful when transitioning between different sub-themes or when visuals shift drastically — such as moving from political reactions to public opinion. It ensures the audience does not feel lost in the flow of information.

4. Demonstrates Journalistic Effort and Risk

PTC is often a reflection of the physical and mental labour involved in reporting. Reporters who deliver PTCs from the field — amidst floods, riots, elections, or war zones — demonstrate their role not just as conveyors of news, but as brave individuals committed to documenting reality, often at personal risk. This visibility is important in building a professional identity and audience trust.

Moreover, for budding journalists or journalism students, PTCs serve as portfolios of field work. Being visible on camera with strong delivery can help early-career reporters showcase their on-ground skills and storytelling abilities.

5. Fills Gaps in Visual Storytelling

Not all stories come with strong visuals or continuous footage. In such cases, PTCs help bridge gaps. They provide an alternative when there’s no B-roll available or when sensitive situations prevent direct filming. The reporter’s explanation becomes the visual and verbal element, helping the viewer still grasp the essence of the scene.

For example, when covering court proceedings (where filming is restricted), a reporter can give a PTC outside the court summarizing key developments. Similarly, in sensitive rural locations or conflict zones where filming people may be intrusive, PTCs act as an ethical and practical alternative.

6. Enhances Visual and Emotional Engagement

Television and digital media are visual platforms, and the audience expects engagement on both informational and emotional levels. A PTC engages multiple senses — it’s a mix of spoken word, visual expression, body movement, and tone. This multi-sensory delivery increases attention and recall.

Unlike voice-overs which often blend into background footage, a PTC commands attention. It momentarily centers the viewer’s focus on the speaker, creating a pause that invites reflection or understanding. In digital formats, this is especially effective for short-form content, such as reels or social media explainers.

7. Encourages Accountability and Attribution

Closing PTCs play an important editorial role — they offer attribution to the reporter and the camera person, as well as the media organisation. This transparency affirms journalistic ownership of the report and ensures that both the field reporter and technical crew are credited for their work. It also helps viewers identify who is delivering the story, thus reinforcing accountability.

Such attribution builds familiarity with the reporter and encourages recognition of their journalistic efforts over time.

8. Adaptability Across Media Platforms

In today’s hybrid media landscape, the importance of PTCs extends beyond traditional television. They are now essential in mobile journalism, digital-first newsrooms, and even independent reporting. PTCs recorded on smartphones for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or Twitter allow journalists to reach wider, younger, and more diverse audiences. Even in these informal formats, the importance of PTCs remains intact — they provide clarity, engagement, and a sense of direct connection with the viewer.

Digital newsrooms like The Quint, MoJo Story, and Scroll.in are increasingly training their field reporters to create social-media-friendly PTCs that are short, sharp, and visually dynamic.

In short, 

1. Establishes Credibility and Authority

PTCs put the journalist front and center, giving a face and voice to the report. This personal presence enhances trust.

2. Adds Immediacy and Human Connection

It brings the audience closer to the event by showing a human on the ground — someone physically present, reacting, interpreting, and explaining.

3. Useful in Absence of Visuals

In situations where visual footage is limited (e.g., courtroom reporting, sensitive areas), PTCs help fill the gap.

 Example:

 During the COVID-19 lockdown, journalists from channels like BBC and ABP News used PTCs from rooftops, balconies, or controlled public spaces due to restricted mobility. This kept the reporting alive even with limited B-roll visuals.

4. Enhances Storytelling

PTCs act as narrative hinges, guiding the viewer through the flow of a story: from background to climax to resolution.

5. Showcases Reporter’s Effort

When a reporter is seen standing in a disaster zone, election rally, or conflict area, the audience perceives the effort, danger, and commitment involved. This adds value to the news.

Tips for Delivering an Effective Piece to Camera (PTC)

Delivering an effective Piece to Camera (PTC) is both a technical and performative skill. It combines journalistic integrity with visual presentation, clarity of message, and audience engagement. Whether recorded live or pre-produced, a successful PTC depends on how well the reporter plans, presents, and personalises the content. Below are detailed guidelines and best practices to help journalists deliver powerful and professional PTCs.

1. Script Smartly, But Speak Naturally

Before stepping in front of the camera, it is crucial to plan what you’re going to say. A well-crafted script ensures that the PTC is concise, informative, and purposeful. However, it should never sound memorised or robotic. A conversational tone helps establish a stronger connection with the audience. Use simple language, active voice, and a logical structure — introduce the context, explain the issue, and, if appropriate, end with a call to action or reflection.

Tip: Write your script like you speak, and rehearse until you can deliver it smoothly without sounding scripted.

2. Keep It Concise and Focused

PTCs are meant to be short — usually between 20 and 40 seconds. Viewers’ attention spans are limited, especially in digital environments. Avoid overloading your PTC with data or long-winded explanations. Stick to one key idea or transition point, and structure it clearly.

Tip: Ask yourself, “What’s the one thing the audience must understand from this segment?”

3. Maintain Strong Eye Contact

Looking directly into the camera lens creates a sense of intimacy and trust. Avoid darting your eyes around, glancing at notes, or looking off-camera. The camera acts as the eyes of your audience, so maintaining direct gaze gives the impression of confidence and sincerity.

Tip: Imagine speaking to a specific viewer or friend behind the camera lens to make your delivery more personal.

4. Use Confident Body Language

Posture and body language speak volumes in a visual medium. Stand upright, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid excessive hand movements that could distract viewers. A poised, grounded presence on camera reinforces your authority and professionalism.

Tip: Keep hand gestures within the frame and use them only to emphasise important points — not as filler.

5. Mind Your Voice and Tone

Modulation, clarity, and pace are critical. Your voice should reflect the mood of the story — calm and clear during neutral reporting, assertive in investigative pieces, empathetic during emotional stories. Avoid speaking too fast or too slowly, and enunciate each word carefully.

Tip: Record yourself during practice and evaluate tone, pronunciation, and pacing. Adjust as needed.

6. Choose the Right Background

The visual setting of your PTC should support your message. If you’re reporting on a protest, stand where placards or crowds are visible. For a pollution report, position yourself where the smog or traffic is evident. Avoid messy, irrelevant, or distracting backgrounds.

Tip: Always do a test shot to check for distractions or poor lighting in the background.

7. Frame the Shot Professionally

Camera framing can make or break your visual presence. Most PTCs are shot in a medium close-up (MCU) or mid-shot, keeping the reporter from chest to head level. The eyes should be aligned with the upper third of the frame (rule of thirds). Avoid too much headroom or awkward angles.

Tip: If using a mobile phone, use a tripod for stability and shoot in landscape (horizontal) mode unless it's for vertical platforms.

8. Be Prepared for Field Challenges

When doing PTCs on location, anticipate environmental challenges like noise, weather, and interruptions. Have a backup PTC or voice-over ready. If shooting live, stay composed and continue unless the situation becomes unsafe or disruptive.

Tip: Carry a lapel mic, windshields, and a small light if you're reporting frequently outdoors.

9. Practice Multiple Takes

If the PTC is not live, always record at least two or three takes. This gives more options during editing, especially if there’s a minor slip or an unexpected sound in one version. In editing, the best take — or even a mix of two takes — can be chosen to create the final output.

Tip: Also record a neutral “safety PTC” — simple, clean delivery — in case experimental versions don’t work during editing.

10. Dress Appropriately for the Role and Setting

Appearance matters in journalism, but it should never overpower the content. Reporters in the field should avoid heavy makeup or overly flashy clothes. Choose solid, neutral colours that don’t clash with the environment or cause glare on camera. Reflect professionalism while remaining practical.

Tip: Always carry a light jacket or shirt to match various settings, especially if reporting on the move.

Example of a Structured PTC

In a news report covering the Delhi air pollution crisis, a journalist might begin:

“Good morning, this is Akanksha Chaudhary reporting from India Gate, New Delhi. As the city wakes up to another day under a thick blanket of smog, concerns over air quality and public health continue to rise.”

This Opening PTC sets the scene, introduces the reporter, and outlines the issue at hand.

Continuing the report on Delhi's air pollution, after showcasing visuals of affected areas and interviews with residents, the journalist might interject:

“As we've seen, the smog has significantly reduced visibility across major thoroughfares. Authorities have announced emergency measures, including temporary school closures and restrictions on vehicular movement, to combat the deteriorating air quality.”

This Mid PTC provides a transition from public reactions to governmental responses, maintaining the report's coherence.

Wrapping up the report on air pollution, the journalist might state:

“With cameraman Rakesh Kumar, this is Akanksha Chaudhary reporting from New Delhi for LSR News. Stay tuned for further updates on the city's air quality measures.”

This Closing PTC encapsulates the report and credits the team involved.

Conclusion

The Piece to Camera (PTC) is far more than a brief moment in front of the lens; it is a crucial storytelling device that shapes the way audiences consume visual news. Rooted in the traditions of broadcast journalism and evolving rapidly with digital innovation, the PTC serves as a bridge between the reporter, the story, and the viewer. Whether used to open a report, transition between segments, or offer a conclusive sign-off, the PTC strengthens the narrative structure and human connection in journalism.

By directly addressing the camera, a journalist establishes authenticity, presence, and credibility. The Opening PTC welcomes the audience into the world of the story, setting the scene and tone. The Mid or Bridge PTC ensures narrative flow and adds context or emotional depth. The Closing PTC ties the report together, giving credit and reinforcing professionalism. Additionally, modern formats like live PTCs, social media PTCs, and walk-through or demonstrative styles reflect how adaptable this tool has become across platforms and formats.

In a world saturated with information, viewers are more likely to engage with content when they see and trust the person delivering it. The PTC, thus, not only informs but also builds relationships. As seen in examples from NDTV, India Today, BBC, and MoJo Story, professional reporters use PTCs to personalize stories — from disaster zones and political rallies to daily life and public health emergencies. These moments of on-camera presence convey sincerity, urgency, and accountability.

For aspiring journalists, learning the art of crafting and delivering a strong PTC is essential. It demands not only clarity of thought and confidence on camera, but also a deep understanding of story structure, visual communication, and audience psychology. As emphasized in Ajay Kumar Jha’s academic work and shown in numerous real-world reports, mastering the PTC can elevate a reporter from being a silent observer to a visible, trusted storyteller.

In essence, the Piece to Camera remains a timeless element of journalistic storytelling — one that combines voice, vision, and veracity. As journalism continues to evolve, the role of the reporter on camera will remain just as vital, if not more so. A strong PTC is not just good reporting; it’s journalism that speaks directly to the people.

Compilation: Aakanksha Choudhary, LSR