Broadcast Glossary
🤖 General Terms
A recording of a broadcast used for review or demonstration purposes.
Calculating the exact start time of a segment to ensure it ends precisely at a scheduled time.
A brief segment, often music or graphics, used to transition between programs or to and from commercials.
A segment that starts immediately without an introduction or title sequence, diving straight into content.
A signal or prompt for talent or crew to perform a specific action, such as starting a segment or switching cameras.
A commercial format with a central section left blank for local advertisements to be inserted.
A live or recorded transmission of audio and/or video content from one location to another.
related to the above, but not fully. When talking back to a presenter or an anchor you typically do that using an intercom systems (aimed at media production, from brands such as RTS or Riedel). To allow for better understanding of what’s being said to the presenter, the volume of the audio already going to that presenter, is temporarily muted or lowered, in favor of the one then speaking. This process is called ‘IFB’. Often the audio already going to the presenter is called ‘mix-minus’, and interrupting that to talk over that is called IFB.
Graphic overlay placed in the lower third of the screen, typically used for names, titles, or other information.
A pre-recorded news story that includes narration, interviews, and video footage, edited into a cohesive segment.
A detailed schedule outlining the sequence and timing of segments in a broadcast. That’s what we do at Cuez!
Pre-recorded audio or video clips, often used for interviews or soundbites within a broadcast.
A short preview of upcoming content designed to keep the audience engaged.
The precise moment when a broadcast or segment is scheduled to start.
🛠 Technical Terms
A method for software to communicate with other systems or tools.
Transmitting content to or from satellites for remote or live feeds.
Renders real-time visuals for broadcasts—lower-thirds, tickers, AR, and animations.
Examples: Viz Engine, Ross XPression, Chyron PRIME.
The process of capturing video/audio into a system for editing or playout.
The process of layering visual elements (e.g., chroma keying for green screen effects).
Example: Putting a presenter in front of a green backdrop and replacing the green with graphics.
The delay between input and output in a system—crucial in live production timing.
Used for storing and organizing media files and metadata. Focused on long-term access.
A protocol that allows NRCS systems to talk to video servers and graphics engines, automating the linking of media to rundowns.
Software for planning, scripting, and managing news production (rundowns, teleprompters, etc.).
Examples: Storiez by Cuez, Avid iNEWS, Octopus NRCS.
Manages active production content—tracks edits, versions, and file usage within ongoing projects.
The process of sending scheduled or live video/audio content to viewers. Often managed by a playout automation system.
A set of communication rules used by systems to exchange data (e.g., MOS, HTTP, TCP/IP).
Cameras with Pan, Tilt, and Zoom capability, often controlled remotely in studios.
Backup systems in place to prevent on-air failures or interruptions.
Hardware or software device used to switch between video sources during live production.
A computer system that stores and plays back video content during live broadcasts. Ensures frame-accurate playout.
Examples: EVS XT-VIA, XS-NEO, Grass Valley K2 Summit.
🎙 Key Roles in the Control Room (Gallery)
Uses tools like Cuez Automator to trigger graphics, cameras, and playback in sync with the script.
Operates the switcher, cues video sources, manages transitions, and ensures the show looks correct on-air.
Leads the entire production from the control room, making real-time decisions on camera cuts, graphics, and timing.
Executes the director’s visual commands by cutting and mixing video sources live. Often the same as a Technical Director.
Manages the playout of on-air graphics using systems like Vizrt or XPression.
Handles all sound mixing — mics, sources, music, and mix-minus.
Controls the scrolling of the teleprompter for presenters, often synced to the rundown.
Manages pre-recorded video content and ensures it plays correctly on-air.
Maintains and updates the rundown in the NRCS, ensuring segments stay on time.
Ensures the script aligns with the editorial direction and production timing.
Coordinate all live broadcast activities on the studio floor, relaying cues and ensuring timing.
🧠 Editorial & Creative Roles
Present live news in a studio setting, often serving as the central voice of a broadcast.
Design and animate visual elements like lower thirds, logos, and infographics for broadcast use.
Oversee the creation of a program, coordinating editorial content, technical elements, and talent to ensure a high-quality show.
Coordinate the creation of radio content, including music, interviews, and talk segments.
Act as the on-air face or voice of a program, delivering content and engaging the audience.
Accordion Content
Manage the entire TV production process from concept to broadcast.