These stories
demonstrate how political coverage can be enlivened by looking at a campaign
issue through the eyes of someone directly affected, someone who is an
unofficial expert. Use these stories to examine the value of finding a clear
focus and the importance of relevant video to a political
story.
The Story: Virginia
Governor's Race
The
Changes
Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Mark Early are
running for Governor of Virginia. One of the biggest
issues in the campaign is transportation, especially
in Northern Virginia. This story is one of
Second story begins with a
specific individual--a Northern Virginia voter--whose daily commute becomes the
vehicle for telling the rest of the story.
Second story is more focused on the
several that
a station serving Northern Virginia would have run
in the last two weeks before the election. Reporter:
Elliot Lewis.
The Issues
First story begins with generic
campaign video. Most B-roll is file tape, except for an animated graphic that
pops up with little explanation.
Sound bites in first story are
either generic or are negative, with the candidates accusing each other of
"old-style politics."
Two different full screen
graphics are used to compare campaign proposals of the two candidates, including
lots of numbers.
The story includes no sound from
voters and no sense as to how voters in the area view the candidates'
proposals.
biggest difference between
the two candidates: whether to allow a vote in Northern
Virginia to raise the sales tax to fund transportation
projects.
Story includes poll results from
Northern Virginia showing support for the tax vote.
Video is fresh and focused on the
central topic of commuting.
The central character is the expert
in the story, as she comments on the realities of
her own life.
For
Discussion
Which story is more interesting
to watch?
Which version helps viewers
better understand the key differences between the two candidates? Why?
How would you find an individual
to profile in a political story?
What concerns do you have, if
any, about including the sound bite of the commuter saying she and her neighbors
would be willing to vote for higher taxes?
Is that concern mitigated at all
by the inclusion of the poll results?
