Comparison of Cooper’s News Packages
This week contains information focusing on Steve Cooper’s packages for the 12:00pm news on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12. According to journalist, investigative reporter, former 60 minutes producer, documentary producer, and professor at Emerson College Chris Szechenyi, news packages are a mix of NAT sound, B-roll, SOT, and narration.
- NAT sound- (natural sound) the sounds that are occurring at a scene, makes you feel as though you’re there
- B-roll- video images used to make the story come alive
- SOT- (sound on tape) these are good sound bites from people at the scene
- Narration- an explanation of the news from the reporter
On Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11, Steve Cooper reported from Plymouth, MA. The story was about a 21 year old soldier, Benjamin Sherman, who died in Afghanistan. Newsworthy due to its timeliness, Cooper’s package began with him giving narration. It went on to include b-roll of marching soldiers, NAT sound of the marching, and sound bites from Sherman’s sister and mother. The sound bites were what stood out the most because they were very emotional. With both women crying, they talked about both Sherman’s life and death. Cooper then narrated that Sherman’s mother had something to say to President Obama, and the SOT was: “It’s time that we do something… either come home or end it.” This was a great sound bite because it addresses a very prominent figure, our President. During the package, Cooper made sure to mention that Sherman’s wife is pregnant. This, along with the crying seen on tape, evoked emotion. At the end of the news package, Cooper maintained a very serious, solemn tone.
The next day, Thursday, November 12, Steve Cooper reported from Boston, MA with a story about Salvatore DiMasi, the former Speaker of the House. Accused of fraud, DiMasi did not answer many questions. Cooper’s package was different from his package of the previous day because this one included footage of him asking the subject questions. Along with b-roll of DiMasi walking toward the courthouse holding his wife’s hand, narration of this, and NAT sound of the wind, this package included raw footage. Steve Cooper, in a group of reporters from other news stations, asked DiMasi multiple questions. After DiMasi refused to answer questions about the trial, Cooper changed gears and referred to DiMasi’s family asking, “How difficult has this been for you all?” DiMasi did not answer this question either. The package included an informative ending, with Steve Cooper notifying viewers that the trial would continue the next day, Friday, November 13. View Footage
Cooper’s contrasting reports on these two days demonstrate that different techniques of reporting are appropriate for different situations. He did not bombard the family of a deceased soldier, but he did ask questions to a public figure the next day. Common elements in both packages were the inclusion of NAT sound, B-roll, SOT, and narration. Cooper also incorporated important facts and good sound bites in both packages.
