A Week-Long Schedule to Complete a Class

Newscast
Before the weekend:

• Put students into groups of three.

• Assign each group to a specific news story genre (international, local, special
feature, Deerfield, Sports/Weather, etc.) Also, choose 2-3 head editors for the
newscast. A chart like the one below can be used to display in the classroom
during the production week of the Newscast.

Head Editors 1.)

2.)
3.)
International News Story Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:
National News Story Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:
Special Feature Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:
Deerfield Story Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:
Sports/Weather Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:
Other Editor:
Writer:
Reporter:

Homework: Tell students to look for interesting stories in the news over the
weekend that fit their assigned genre

Monday:

• Students get into groups and share story ideas that were found over the
weekend. By the end of 30 minutes, they should have decided on which
story they think is best for the Newscast.
 • Head editors can join other groups temporarily. They can also generate a
final list of story topics that will be used for the Newscast.

• Once students have decided on their story, the writer begins to write the
story, with the input of the group.

Homework: The writer should complete a draft of the news story by Tuesday.

Tuesday:

• Students meet in groups again to discuss the rough draft that was completed
by the writer. Together, they should edit the story.

• Reporter should begin practicing by reading the story aloud. Other group
members should time the story to make sure that it does not exceed 60
seconds. (Reports should generally last about 45 seconds).

• Editor can record his/her group’s story once the group feels that they are
ready. After recording, it is important that the editor edits the piece to his/her
satisfaction and then exports the story as an MP3 file and saves the story to a
common folder or flash drive that the class will use for this project.

• Head Editors can get together and generate a script during this time with
opening and closing statements as well as transitions. (You can either use
head editors’ voices for these parts of the newscast, or select other
students.)

Wednesday:

• All of the stories should be recorded and edited no later than Thursday
morning.

Thursday:

• If all of the stories have been recorded, edited and saved to as an MP3 file,
then the Head Editors are ready to begin.

• Head Editors can begin dropping the MP3 files into a new Audacity File to
prepare the final newscast. They will also be responsible for adding music
and transitions to the newscast.
Friday:

• Use this day to complete whatever was not finished on Thursday. By the end
of the day, the entire piece should be edited and exported as an MP3 file.