An effective news production system is critical to delivering your message in the proper format, in a timely fashion, and to the correct audience. News production software can be focused to any medium, and many allow for converting or streaming for uploading to Web-based pages.

News production systems can take different forms such as radio, video, television and online. You should consider the benefits and options of each one. You may discover a combination of two or more will be the most effective for your business requirements. Also consider whether you want to hire a news crew, or keep the work small-scale:

1. Keep costs low with purchasing used equipment, but make sure you know what you are getting.

2. Video production news can be uploaded to the Web via iMovie (for Macs) or Windows Movie Maker (for PC).

3. News television production can be as easy as a podcast uploaded to YouTube on the Web with by using any audio creation software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get news delivery started with news production equipment

The right equipment is necessary in any business, and in news production you will want to have the latest technology if it will be a central part of your business. Simplicity is sometimes best when starting out, so have a clear purpose before making a large purchase. iMovie is free on Mac systems, and PC users have Windows Movie Maker for recording and editing video.

I recommend: The Broadcast Equipment Guide covers everything from cabling to software to accessories. Bay Country is a great source for used radio broadcasting equipment. For new and used video production equipment, look into Broadcaststore.com.

Go behind the scenes with tv news production software, training

Gain some news production experience working as an intern at a local station, or find a workshop that will give you hands-on training.

I recommend: Third World Newsreel offers workshops and seminars at their New York location. Tom Kane offers intensive film and television production workshops and teach a solid understanding of all that is involved with news production companies. TeachersPayTeachers has a downloadable TV production workshop suitable for all ages.

Tune in with a radio news production system

Radio news broadcast equipment can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs low with software applications and by purchasing good used equipment.

I recommend: Burli offers a full range of radio news production software tools required for airing a radio news show. Shareware Music Machine focuses on shareware and freeware for radio production software encompassing music and audio needs. Some radio news producers use Mac's Final Cut Pro 6 software for easy editing of many types of video formats.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A television news or radio news production assistant is the official entry-level position for the media industry, so if your desire is to make it big behind the microphone or in front of the camera, consider this a first step in the career path.