Five Rookie Mistakes to Avoid During a TV Broadcast
When starting off in the TV broadcasting world, you are going to make mistakes. Doing so is simply part of the process and it happens to everyone. Of course, it’s always best to avoid mistakes and understanding rookie mistakes can help you avoid them. Here’s a look at five rookie mistakes to avoid.
Watch What You Say
Everyone flubs up from time to time while on the air. Don’t worry, you’ll work your way through it. However, the last thing you want to do is drop a swear word or say something inappropriate while broadcasting. Not only is this embarrassing, but your station is likely going to be hit with a fine from the FCC.
While there is usually a short delay between when the production is recording and when it hits the screens of people at home, being able to bleep out the word in time is not always possible. Many people say a bad word out of habit or instinct. Due to this, it is best for you to start practicing not swearing or saying anything bad when in public or around friends. It reduces the chances of you saying something inappropriate while on the air.
Remember Character Names
There might be times where you need to deal with a person in character. Perhaps it is someone from the crew dressing up like Santa Claus for a skit being performed on air. It is very important to remember character names during this live performance and not use the person’s actual name.
Mind the Microphone
The microphone clipped to a person’s clothing is important on the live broadcast. However, it is also important to make sure the microphone is turned on or off when necessary. Going on to say something inappropriate or do something inappropriate while the microphone is on can prove embarrassing and it can also reduce the quality of the live broadcast.
Streaming Social Media on TV
This generally is not a good idea at all. Far too many people have run into live TV broadcast problems by airing live social media accounts on the air. With outsiders having a direct connection to social media accounts, these individuals can post explicit and rude content that may end up appearing on the broadcast. Always use screen grabs that have been proofread instead.
Mixing Levels
This one is more for the engineering crew behind the scenes instead of someone in front of the camera, but it is still very important. The on air speakers should be heard properly and the music and sound effects kept to a desirable level. Without appropriate mixing levels, the broadcast can be negatively affected.