Inserting audio into an information segment can be a tremendous tool to make content come alive. When news audio drops accent a story, it adds pace, momentum, and interest, as long as the audio compliments the story.
Audio Drops In Information Segments
Audio is a great storytelling tool. Sound stimulates the imagination when it’s used properly.
In many cases, news personalities seem to consider themselves journalists first, placing more importance on transferring information than on the techniques that make their information heard. Many of these broadcasters use audio improperly.
Whether preparing a Hollywood News feature, sports report, or newscast, here are 7 tips to use audio in information features properly.
What’s The Point?
Don’t use audio just to use audio. Sounds can tell the story better if used properly. If an audio drop truly makes the story more interesting or tighter, build it into the story.
However, gratuitous sound bites that don’t move the story forward are a waste of time. It just adds length without saying anything. There’s no point. Make sure it actually helps tell the story.
Edit The Audio
Sometimes, news talent wants to validate their effort of collecting the audio by using it on the radio, regardless of how effective (or not) the audio turns out.
That’s a mistake. Be objective and critical when considering what to use and what to leave out. Exercising that judgment is part of the editing process.
Is the audio hard to understand? Don’t use it. Does background noise compete with the speaker’s message? Leave it on the cutting room floor.
Then, if it’s great audio and you want to use it, edit! Find the essence of the clip that adds to the story. Using more than is necessary belabors the story and defeats the process.
