Course coordinator
Dr Lujain Shafeeq
Student consultation is by appointment; please email make an appointment.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Whether you're reporting for traditional or emerging platforms, broadcast journalism requires specialised skills to tell engaging factual stories for digital platforms. In this course, you'll apply the journalistic foundations to audio and video journalism, learning how to report, script, narrate, produce, edit and distribute radio and TV news packages and short-form audio and video documentaries.
This course is about telling stories using the mediums of audio and video for radio,ﾠtelevision and digital formats (e.g. podcasting and web documentary). It offers a comprehensive overview of the craft of broadcast journalism and the opportunity to produce radio and television packages, as well as grounding in the theories, traditions and ethical frameworks for best-practice broadcast reporting.ﾠ
The lectures will cover the current professional practice of contemporary audio and video journalism.
Tutorials for this course are frequently 'hands-on' workshops with the opportunity to work closely with your tutor on tasks relevant to your assessment.ﾠ
Students must participate in MaPS workshops or YouTube tutorials, which will focus on basic video/photographic skills such as lighting, composition and editing as well as sound recording and editing. This kind of content is also offered through the UQ Library website by Linkedin Learning (formally Lynda).
Course requirements
Assumed background
Prior to the commencement of this course, you are assumed to have:
- successfully completed JOUR1112 and JOUR1710;
- fluency in written and spoken English;
- working knowledge of recording and editing equipment and software (Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro)ﾠand/or completion of Linkedin Learning (formally Lynda)ﾠsessions in multimedia production and/or the willingness to undertake MaPS workshops/online classes/video classes in these areasﾠprior to Week 5 of the teaching semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
COMU1140 or COMU1999 (for students enrolled in the BCommun or BJ) JOUR1112 (For students in the BA Journalism & Mass Communication plans)
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
JOUR1710
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
JOUR2833
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lujain Shafeeq
Tutor
Mr Sam Regi
Ms Michelle Tapper
Miss Alynna Li-Vy Wong
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
As this is a practical subject, attendance at lectures and tutorials is strongly recommended. These classes are the easiest way to get feedback on your work and make progress on your assessments so please prioritise regular attendance.ﾠ
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
JOUR2000, Broadcast Journalism, teaches the fundamentals of radio and television journalism, whilst considering how these skills apply in new media formats including digital video and podcasting.
The course provides you with the opportunity to produce industry-standard packages for radio and television and to specialise in either audio or video to create a short-form documentary, tailored to a potential publishing venue of your choice. This is a very practical course, and regular attendance (supplemented with production workshops offered by MaPS) will be important in staying on track with attendance. The course will also consider these skills within the context of industry traditions, ethical and legal frameworks and future models of journalistic practice.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an ability to create compelling factual audio and video news and shortform documentaries;
LO2.
Analyse and evaluate the principles underlying audiences, genres, formats, ethics and production values in broadcast journalism;
LO3.
Find and interview talent;
LO4.
Research, compose and present reports to broadcast standard;
LO5.
Use industry standard equipment and software;
LO6.
Practice ethical and socially responsible journalism.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Radio and TV News Stories | 40% Minimum 90 seconds (two news packages) |
14/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project | Short-Form Audio or Video Documentary | 60% Less than 8 minutes |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Radio and TV News Stories
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 40% Minimum 90 seconds (two news packages)
- Due date
14/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
You will be given the raw source material for this assignment. This will be available via Blackboard at least two weeks before the assessment deadline.
Using the vision/audio provided, script and cut together a 30-second (acceptable range is 30-45 seconds) radio news story and a 60-second (acceptable range is 60-90 seconds) video news story. The finished stories should be suitable, in format and tone, for broadcast on commercial or public broadcast networks. In addition to the finished audio and video stories, you will also submit the scripts.
Your radio package will be edited using Audition software and your video news story will be edited with Premier Pro. Students are expected to take the workshops offered on Audition offered by the MaPS team through the MaPS Youtube channel.
Because raw source material is provided, you will not need to conduct interviews or shoot your own vision. However, you will need to voice your stories.
Students will be assessed using the News Package rubric, available on Blackboard, which includes the weightings of each of the assessment categories. Feedback on draft submissions will be available in designated tutorial workshops.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard. Please submit using the template provided. Broadcast files that will not upload to Blackboard can be uploaded to the course OneDrive folder using the format provided, however the script and coversheet must still be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Short-Form Audio or Video Documentary
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 60% Less than 8 minutes
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Using what you have learned this semester, script, source, produce and edit a short-form audio OR video documentary. Video documentaries should be between 2-6 minutes and audio documentaries should be between 4-8 minutes. You should also submit your script (however, it is not necessary for the script to match the final cut if minor changes were made to the final product during the editing process).
Your short-form documentary should respond to a social issue; however, the tone of the narrative can be light-hearted or serious. It could be a deep dive into a personal experience, a profile, or a broad look at a way a group of people respond to an event or issue. Use what you have learned about storytelling and your chosen medium to haul us into the world of your narrative and surprise us with the insights you find there. When submitting your documentary, you should suggest a potential publication venue (for example, ABC, Vice, various podcasts).
You will have the opportunity to workshop your concept, script and final product in the tutorials.
Students will be assessed using the rubric, available on Blackboard, which includes the weightings of each of the assessment categories. Feedback on draft submissions will be available in designated tutorial workshops.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Whilst Generative AI and/or MT can be powerful news gathering tools and primary sources, it also has the capacity to undermine audience trust in news and information, and the use of Generative AI and MT must be considered and transparent. Should you wish to use AI/MT in your assessment, you must: consult with your tutor to make an AI/MT integration plan; reference the use of an AI/MT-generated text, audio, video or imagery in the assessment coversheet; and clearly communicate the nature, use and rationale for using AI/MT-generated material within your story (e.g. through voiceover, supers etc; best-practice models will be distributed in class).
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Script and coversheet should be submitted through Blackboard. If the documentary is too large to submit through Blackboard, it should should be uploaded using the link provided; however the script and coversheet still need to be submitted via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering and reporting. Does not produce multimedia content for a website of professional quality. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Largely fails to grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering and reporting Produces multimedia content that lacks sufficient technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website, even with a major redesign. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Does not demonstrate a grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering andﾠreporting Produces multimedia content that lacks sufficient technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website, even with considerable work. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering andﾠreporting. Produces multimedia content that is of sufficient technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a good grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering andﾠreporting Produces multimedia content that is of good technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a very good grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering and reporting Produces multimedia content that is of a very good technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an excellent grasp the editorial complexities of news gathering and reporting Produces multimedia content that is of excellent technical and/or editorial quality for publication on the UQ website. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Introduction to Broadcast Journalism In this class we will explain and aims and the requirements of the course. We will give an overview of production techniques and the industry context, define broadcast journalism in a changing industry landscape, define key terms and jargon and consider changing formats and digital futures. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Tutorial: Introduction to Course Introduction to your tutor, peers and course expectations. Critical analysis: the key ingredients for good broadcast journalism. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Scripting Writing scripts for Radio and TV news. Story structure, active and passive voice. Sourcing and interviewing talent. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Thinking Like a Broadcast Journalist How format changes the nature of a story and how you might tell it. Only for Monday and Tuesday tutorials due to Cyclone Alfred adjustments. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 3: NO LECTURE (Cyclone Alfred adjustments) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Thinking Like a Broadcast Journalist Same Tutorial content as Week 2 to due to Cyclone Alfred adjustments. Only for Wednesday and Thursday tutorials. |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Audio Journalism Interviewing for sound, natural sound, audio storytelling. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Production Workshop Hands-on workshop, beginning to cut together your first news stories. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Video Journalism Shot composition, shooting interviews and pieces to camera, telling visual stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Radio + Tv News Radio and TV news packages: scripting in practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Short-Form Documentary: Where To Start Idea generation, conceptualising an audio or video documentary, story packaging and narrative framing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Tv And Radio News Advanced news scriptwriting, radio stand-up and pieces to camera. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Telling Immersive Broadcast Stories Narrative, structure, voice and aesthetic. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Assignment Workshop Bring questions, drafts and queries. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Short-Form Audio And Visual Storytelling Scripting and storyboarding short-form audio and video documentaries. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial: Project Planning Informal project pitches, video and audio production values, collecting the best 'ingredients' for your documentary. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Script And Story Editing Tension, stakes, suspense and how to make your stories stronger. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Studio Session Voice over, pieces to camera and presenting live news. *Please note, the timing of this session is subject to availability of the studio. Alternative timing will be clearly communicated. Session will take place in tutorial times. Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Ethical And Legal Issues Permissions, privacy, undercover reporting, model releases, copyright, IP and creative commons ﾗ how the law and ethical guidelines inform your reporting. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Scripting And Storyboarding In Practice Organising your story and getting the most from your source material. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Documentary Under Pressure Making content under tight deadlines, troubleshooting your audio or video documentary. Hosting/distribution of podcasts and pitching freelance audio and video work. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Script And Story Editing Clarifying your focus, cutting the fat and tightening your story. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: Edit Workshop A final chance for feedback no matter where you find yourself in the production cycle. This is a chance to fine tune your piece Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.