NEWSROOM JOB ROLES

By Ruthfa Begum

CAMERA OPERATOR

Camera operators are responsible for filming the pictures needed for the programme. This can mean going out into the field to film something newsworthy or to be in the studio, filming the presenters as they read the news.

DIRECTOR

The director makes sure that the editorial and technical sides of the programme comes together on-air. The editor decides how cameras and other technical equipment will be used. They tell other members of the crew, like camera operators and sound mixers, what they need and ensure that the programme looks right.

EDITOR

The editor or output editor is responsible for the programme. They choose stories, decide how long to allocate to each item and decide the order in which to run them.

FLOOR MANAGER

The floor manager has overall responsible for the safety of everyone in the studio. The floor manager is effectively the "eyes and ears" and "hands and feet" of the director in the studio.

PRESENTER

The person who presents the TV or radio programme. They read the headlines and introduce packages from reporters. They may also conduct live interviews and take part in outside broadcasts.

PRODUCERS

The term producer covers a lot of different roles. It can mean the person who writes the presenter's script and ensures each story is correct. It can also mean the person who is out on location, helping a reporter to put together a package or do a live broadcast. Studio producers give instructions to the gallery and presenter while a programme is on air.

REPORTER

Reporters are responsible for presenting their stories on-air or writing them up for the web. They conduct interviews, create packages and do live reports. Senior reporters or those who specialise in a particular area are sometimes called correspondents.

SOUND MIXER

The sound mixer uses the sound mixing desk to select the different sources. These include microphones, video tape and CDs. They use the "faders" on the desk to make sounds louder (fade up) or quieter (fade down). The director instructs the sound mixer what to do.

VIDEO EDITOR

The video editor - sometimes just called an editor - is the person who cuts pictures together. They work closely with producers and reporters.

VISION MIXER

The vision mixer uses the vision mixing equipment to select pictures from a number of sources. These include cameras, video tapes and graphics. The vision mixer uses their equipment to cut, mix or wipe between the sources depending on what the director wants.