L.A. SPEAK

Anchor argot: an abridged glossary of TV news-speak:

b-roll n . an establishing shot to put the story in context. “Get me some riot b-roll .” Also background-roll .

field producer n . news slave who does the actual interviewing for a story someone else will deliver on the air.

package n . A video story that’s been tracked, cut and is ready to air. “Don’t go long on your package . We’re tight for time tonight.”

reversal n . those fake-looking reaction shots of the reporter “listening” to the person being interviewed. These nods and smiles are usually done after the interview is over.

rundown n . second-by-second breakdown of an entire show, including commercial time. “I don’t see that story in the rundown .”

shooter n . camera operator; usually the tallest, strongest person on the news staff.

track n. A story recorded in the studio sound-booth. Field producer to newscaster: “Can you cut a track for me?”

TRT abbr. the total running time of a package, as in “ TRT is 1:38” or one minute, 38 seconds.

two-shot n . a picture showing both the reporter and the interviewee. Lets the audience know the story wasn’t done by a field producer.

cutter n . editor who puts the story all together.