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As the school year kicks off, many school leaders are interested in learning how to start (or improve) a school TV news program. While it may sound like a daunting task, the process for starting a school TV news program can range from downright simple to very complex. It really depends on how far you want to take a school news program, and the personnel and resources available. An iPhone and a desk with two students reading the news can be a start.
K12 media and film expert, Don Goble, sat down with SchoolTube to discuss the steps for starting a school news program. Watch the full webinar HERE to learn Don’s tips for starting a school announcement program for your school.
Don’s Steps to Get Your School News Program Started
If you don’t have time to watch the video, here are the “Cliff Notes” on the components of starting a school announcement or news program:
Who: Who will lead the program and who will be on-screen? School news shows are usually run by a journalism or media teacher or can be led by a teacher or administrator with a strong interest in video production. The on-screen talent can be students, the principal, teachers, communications director or others. The true value of creating a school news program is getting students involved. If using students, you will need several, rotating duties and roles.
What: What will the school news program cover – just school news or venture into stories and features from the school, district, or community? For help here, check out all the resources offered by Student Television Network.
Where: Where will the school news show be produced? The set can range from a desk in the corner to a classroom converted into a production facility. Lighting is super important. You will need good lighting from multiple angles for a quality outcome. Banners can be ordered to give your background a professional look, and later, try using green screen technology to add pizazz and a high-tech look to your shows.
When: Will your school news show be a daily effort, weekly, or some other frequency? A daily show creates a tremendous amount of work. News must be turned in by a hard deadline in order to make each show’s production schedule. Use a Google Form to keep it simple. For beginners, we suggest starting with a weekly show and then add more days as skills and processes are honed.
How: Will your show be live-streamed or recorded? Pre-recording is easier and requires less technology, tech knowledge, and allows for greater flexibility. Obviously, SchoolTube is your go-to source for sharing your recorded school news shows! (Create a FREE SchoolTube account here.) Live streaming is also very popular and can be quite easy to pull off with the right equipment and services. A camera, transcoder, and live streaming service are required. Many schools use YouTube Live for the live stream service and devices such as Tricaster, SlingStudio, and Padcaster (an amazing all-in-one system). If using YouTube Live, embed the live feed into your website to keep unwanted content away from your news show, then share the recording of the live show on SchoolTube! Make sure you have good audio. Consider multiple microphones and an audio mixer device for the best results. B & H Camera is a go-to source for K12 camera, lighting and audio needs. If funding is an issue, checkout MemberHub to create online ad sales, items sales, and fundraisers.
New Resource for Video Production Training – ASB Classroom
Whether you are gearing up to start a school news show, or need to improve your video production skills for producing school or district videos, ASB Classroom is the new go-to resource for video production training.
ASB Classroom offers a treasure trove of on-demand video lessons, interactive quizzes, and pre-built assignments. It even has several raw footage packs that students can download and edit in class or at home for practice. An annual subscription is $99 per year/teacher and includes unlimited students.