Broadcast Glossary
🤖 General Terms
A recording of a broadcast used for review or demonstration purposes.
The time of a broadcast.
The planned time slot for a broadcast, defined by its start time and total duration, used to describe when and how long a specific program or segment (like an interview) airs.
The estimate of how many listeners or viewers tune in during an average 15-minute timeframe. Used by ratings services to measure audience size and share.
A standard for transmitting digital stereo audio via XLR cables, commonly used to embed or transport high-quality audio within video setups.
The primary footage in a production — typically interviews, anchors, or main content with synchronized audio. It’s the core narrative that carries the story and includes any speaking parts that directly address the viewer.
Supplementary footage used to visually support or enhance the A-roll. It often plays over voiceovers or dialogue and helps provide context, atmosphere, or visual interest. B-roll usually doesn’t include sync sound.
A secondary broadcast feed kept live in case the main stream fails.
Very tight camera shots that frame a subject’s face (BCU) or zoom in even further on a detail like the eyes, mouth, or an object (ECU). Often used for emotional impact or emphasis.
A continuous audio background (like ambient music or sound effects) used under voiceovers or promos.
A control room cue or script note indicating a return to the studio anchor after a field report, package, or interview. Helps coordinate transitions during live or recorded segments.
Footage or content showing the production process, such as crew at work, gear setup, or candid moments. Used for promotional or educational purposes, often shared on social media or in extras.
A transmission of audio and/or video content to a large audience via electronic mass communication mediums, typically radio, television, or the internet.
A brief segment, often music or graphics, used to transition between programs or to and from commercials.
The official station ID, typically a four-letter code (e.g., KABC, WNYC) used for legal identification and on‑air branding.
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.
Unintended silence on-air when nothing is transmitted (no audio or visuals), typically due to technical glitches or missed cues.
A system that introduces a deliberate delay (e.g., 7–10 seconds) so on-air content can be censored or blocked if needed.
A pre-recorded voice segment inserted into a live show (often via telephone or recorded clip) during a presenter’s speech.
Peak listening hours on radio typically during morning or evening commutes when audience numbers are highest.
A commercial format with a central section left blank for local advertisements to be inserted.
A communication channel allowing simultaneous two-way talk, unlike simplex where communication is one-way only.
A live or recorded transmission of audio and/or video content from one location to another.
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!
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.
A transparency layer in video files allowing overlays (graphics, lower thirds, animations) to stack without hiding what’s underneath.
The adjustment of video or archive footage to fit different frame formats (e.g. converting 4:3 material to 16:9 widescreen) without distorting the image.
A method of editing where new video or audio is added sequentially to the end of a tape. Unlike insert editing, it doesn’t allow precise frame-level edits, but is useful for quick, linear builds.
Frame-accurate timecode that’s visible on-screen in a video file—useful for editing references or precise clip selection.
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.
A studio communication system allowing producers to speak directly to talent or correspondents while lowering the ambient program audio.
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.
Automated sequences of commands triggered in succession (e.g. load a clip + switch camera + start titles).
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.