BBC Practitioner key terms

The line of text naming the journalist who wrote a report, usually placed near the headline. It credits authorship and signals accountability for the story's content.

A short introductory paragraph under a headline that summarises or sets the tone of the article. It bridges the headline and the main body text.

A line at the start of a report giving the place and sometimes the date from which the story is filed. It tells readers where the reporter's information originates.

The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that carries the most important information. It answers the core questions and draws the reader into the report.

A story structure that puts the most newsworthy facts first, followed by supporting detail in decreasing order of importance. It lets readers and editors stop at any point without losing the core news.

The single most important point of a story, expressed briefly, that a reporter or editor would use to summarise it. It guides headline writing and story ordering.

A journalist assigned to a specialist subject or a particular region, often reporting from the field. They provide context and analysis beyond basic news reporting.

A pre-recorded broadcast report combining a reporter's voice track, interviews, and pictures, typically a few minutes long. It is a staple of television and radio news bulletins.

Original recorded sound from an event, such as speech, crowd noise, or natural sound, used in a broadcast report. It adds authenticity and immediacy to the story.

A short, memorable extract of speech from an interviewee, chosen for clarity or impact. Broadcasters use it to convey a viewpoint quickly within a limited time.

Short interviews with members of the public, gathered to sample ordinary opinion on an issue. The phrase comes from the Latin for 'voice of the people'.

An agreement that information will not be published or broadcast before a stated time. It lets journalists prepare coverage while giving all outlets fair access.

A condition under which information is given to a journalist but cannot be reported or attributed. It allows sources to brief reporters without being publicly identified.

The naming of the source of information within a report, such as a person, document, or organisation. It shows readers or listeners where a claim comes from.

A person who provides information on condition that their identity is not revealed. Journalists use them when disclosure could cause harm, and should explain why anonymity was granted.

The principle of presenting issues fairly, without favouring one side or allowing personal bias to shape coverage. It requires weighing competing views and evidence honestly.

A broadcasting standard requiring adequate and appropriate weight to be given to contrasting views on matters of public controversy. The weight needed depends on the subject and the audience.

The opportunity for a person or organisation criticised in a report to respond within the same coverage. It supports fairness and accuracy in journalism.

A published or broadcast statement that fixes an error in earlier reporting. Prompt, clear corrections maintain trust and are a basic element of editorial accountability.

A prepared statement issued by an organisation to announce news or provide information to media. Journalists treat it as a starting point for verification, not as finished copy.

A written account of a sporting fixture, describing key moments, the result, and notable performances. It is usually filed quickly after the event for same-day publication.

Live spoken description of a sporting event, delivered as it happens, often with a summariser adding analysis. It conveys action and atmosphere to listeners or viewers who cannot see it directly.

A former player or expert who joins a live sports broadcast to add tactical insight and analysis alongside the main commentator. They explain why events unfold as they do.

A sports expert who offers opinion and analysis in studio discussion or preview programmes. They interpret results, tactics, and controversies for the audience.

A defined period in the year when football clubs may register new players from other clubs. Outside it, transfers between clubs are generally not permitted.

The final day of a transfer window, when many deals are completed close to the cut-off time. It generates intense news coverage and live reporting.

A scheduled sporting match or event between named competitors on a set date. Fixtures form the calendar that sports reporters build coverage around.

The scheduled start time of a football match, or the act of starting play. It is a key reference point for scheduling live coverage and filing reports.

The planned sequence of items in a broadcast programme or live sports show. Editors adjust it as events develop and timing changes.

Information that reveals the outcome of a sporting event or a plot before an audience has watched it. Broadcasters and publishers may warn or delay such details to protect viewers' enjoyment.

A critical assessment of a film, television programme, book, or performance, judging its quality and describing its merits. It informs audience choices and can shape a work's reception.

Advance coverage of an upcoming release, event, or programme that describes what to expect without giving away key developments. It builds audience interest before launch.

The arrivals area at a film premiere or awards ceremony where celebrities are photographed and interviewed. It supplies glamour footage and short interviews for entertainment coverage.

The first public screening or performance of a film, play, or television programme. It is a news hook for entertainment reporters and often includes cast interviews.

Measurements of how many people watched a television programme, used to judge popularity and commercial value. They influence scheduling and commissioning decisions.

The process by which a broadcaster orders a new programme or series from producers. It decides what content reaches the schedule and shapes future coverage.

Evaluation of a scientific study by independent experts before publication. It tests the methods and claims, though it does not guarantee that findings are correct.

A research paper shared publicly before formal peer review and journal publication. Its findings are provisional and should be reported with clear caveats.

A statistical relationship in which two variables change together, without implying that one causes the other. Reporting it as causation is a common error.

The broad agreement of specialists in a field, based on the accumulated weight of evidence. It is a stronger guide than any single study or individual opinion.

The variety of living species and ecosystems in a given area. It is a common measure used in conservation reporting and environmental policy.

The natural environment in which a species or community of organisms lives, providing food, shelter, and breeding conditions. Loss of habitat is a leading cause of species decline.

Action taken to protect and manage species, habitats, and natural resources. It is a frequent subject of science and environment reporting.

A piece of research that collects and analyses data to answer a question. Journalists should check its size, method, and funding before reporting its conclusions.