Influence Of Teleprompter On Broadcast Media Practice

Project and Seminar Material for Mass Communication

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Olayinka (2013) writes that eye contact and facial expressions provide important social and emotional information in communication especially in interpersonal setting. People, perhaps without consciously doing so, probe each other eyes and faces for positive or negative mood signs. In some contexts, the meeting of eyes arouses strong emotions.

Eye contact is also an important element in flirting, where it may serve to establish and gauge the other interest in some situations.
Therefore, newscasters adopted the use of teleprompter in achieving an effective eye contact to prevent too much of concentrations on script but to make them read the scripts as if they were reading off hand.

A teleprompter displays the prompts for a person filming or telecasting a visual report with an electronic device such as a video camera. Teleprompters are used instead of cue cards to electronically display the text of a script or speech. (Wikipedia.com, 2015)

Teleprompter screen, in front of the camera lens of a professional video camera, allows the presenter, a reporter or speechmaker, to keep “eye contact” with the viewing audience with an open and comfortable presence. Ajetnmobi, E. O. and Oyediran, O. O. (2005). Stressed that the words, image e.t.c on the teleprompter screen are reflected to the presenter on a beam splitter, a clear glass.

The use of a teleprompter allows a presenter to appear at ease and engaged with the audience. They appear more professional and knowledgeable about their subject, not having to fumble with or refer to a paper copy. Oyekanmi (2008) Cue cards are still in limited use, but they are placed off center from the lens making the presenter to look away from the lens, making them look distracted.

Wikipedia (2015) The first teleprompter was created by Jess Oppenheimer, producer and head writer of “I Love Lucy” in 1953. The teleprompter was used to allow Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to keep in character while presenting commercials on-camera. Several variations and improvements have been made to Oppenheimer’s original design including autoscript prompters which scroll at a comfortable pace based on a review of the speaker’s normal speech pattern.

One of the best teleprompters available is the TELMAX GS-15 Teleprompter.

To this end, the research is geared towards examining the effects of teleprompter on broadcast practice in Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State. With a view to know how it has influence the performance of the newscasters and presenters of BCOS.

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