Do Reporters Use Teleprompters?

Teleprompters are a common tool used by news anchors and reporters to help them deliver the news smoothly and accurately. However, there are some key things to understand about how journalists use teleprompters:

Most television news anchors use teleprompters. The teleprompter displays the script for the newscast so the anchor can read it while still maintaining eye contact with the camera. This allows them to appear natural and conversational rather than looking down at papers.

However, reporters out in the field rarely use teleprompters. When a reporter is live on location or recording a news package, they are usually speaking more spontaneously without a prepared script. Their remarks are generally not displayed on a teleprompter.

There are exceptions where field reporters will use teleprompters. During some live shots back to the studio or formal stand-up reports, reporters may use a basic teleprompter setup. This ensures they cover all the key details accurately and do not misspeak while on air.

The ability to deliver news without a teleprompter is an essential skill. While anchors rely heavily on the teleprompter, reporters must be able to speak credibly on the fly. Developing strong communication and improvisation abilities is a fundamental part of a reporter’s job.

Writing concise, conversational scripts is crucial for teleprompter success. The wording must sound natural and not formal or stilted when read aloud off the prompter. This allows the anchor or reporter to deliver the news with poise and sincerity.

Tips for Using a Teleprompter Effectively

Get Familiar with the Equipment

• Practice using the teleprompter before going live on air. Adjust the speed, font size, and scrolling to customize it to your reading pace and style.
• Understand how to load/edit scripts, control scrolling speed, troubleshoot technical glitches, etc. This will help prevent issues during a live broadcast.

Script Writing Best Practices

• Write short sentences of just 1-2 lines maximum. Avoid long blocks of text.
• Use plain language. Avoid complex words that are difficult to pronounce.
• Include phonetic spellings of names/places that may trip up the reader.
• Format scripts for easy reading with double spaces between paragraphs.

Delivering a Natural Performance

• Read over the script several times before using the teleprompter. Become very familiar with the content.
• Focus on connecting with your audience rather than just reciting the words. Maintain a conversational tone.
• Allow the cadence and inflections of your natural speech to come through. Resist sounding robotic or stiff.
• If you make a mistake, take a breath and keep going. Do not panic or lose composure.

Troubleshooting On-Air Issues

• Have paper copies of scripts handy in case of teleprompter technical failures.
• Work with your director/producer to signal if the teleprompter speed needs adjusting up or down.
• If the teleprompter quits completely, subtly reference your paper script placed below camera view.
• Handle problems smoothly without letting viewers realize an issue has occurred.

Teleprompter Tips for Beginners

If you are new to using a teleprompter, the idea can seem daunting. However, the following tips will help build your skills and confidence:

Get Setup Properly

• Position the teleprompter so your eyes are focused at least 5-6 feet away to avoid strain.
• Set the screen height so your eyes hit the middle of the display at a natural gaze level.
• Check that the glass reflection does not interfere with camera framing or lighting.

Master the Basics First

• Have the teleprompter scroll very slowly at first, even slower than your normal reading pace.
• Focus intently on every word without trying to scan ahead much on the script.
• As your skills improve, gradually increase the prompter speed to match your natural cadence.

Film Practice Sessions

• Record rehearsals and review the footage to critique your performance.
• Watch for unnatural pacing, inappropriate phrasing, lack of inflection, visible strain, etc.
• Make notes on areas needing improvement to practice before going on air.

With preparation and experience, using a teleprompter can become second nature. Be patient in the learning process and do not become discouraged. It takes time to master this unique skill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teleprompters

Here are answers to some common questions about how journalists use teleprompters:

Do reporters ever use teleprompters while out covering stories?

Rarely. Field reporters need to react spontaneously to events happening around them. They are trained to deliver reports smoothly without scripts. However, for formal stand-ups or live shots, basic teleprompter setups may be used to keep facts straight.

What if the teleprompter quits working during a newscast?

Anchors have paper copies of scripts as backup that are placed below camera view. They subtly reference these printouts if teleprompter issues occur so viewers are unaware. Directors also have scripts to help anchors pick up where they left off once issues are fixed.

Why do news anchors rely so heavily on teleprompters?

Delivering a smooth, flawless newscast requires covering many stories and details accurately and concisely. Teleprompters enable anchors to do this while still connecting personally with viewers. Trying to memorize so much content or reading from papers would look awkward.

Is reading from a teleprompter difficult?

It is for many at first because it involves looking directly at a camera while processing printed words on a reflective screen. With rehearsal and experience, anchors become comfortable making the words sound natural versus stiff or robotic. It takes skill to perfect.

What other careers use teleprompters regularly?

Beyond news broadcasting, teleprompters are also used by politicians giving speeches, business leaders announcing earnings, actors delivering dialogue, pastors preaching sermons, and many other public speakers seeking to deliver impactful messages.

Hopefully these tips give you a better understanding of how broadcast journalists utilize teleprompters as well as advice for mastering them. Let me know if you have any other questions!