From Concept to Screen: Building Your Own News Show
21 Activities
Overview
Welcome to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL)’s Module, From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.
The module is broken into three sections. The first, "Beyond the Headline" and "A News Show Structure" contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows.
Continue Your Journey
1
Beyond the Headlines: Analyzing the Core of News Shows
Ready to uncover news show secrets? Join us as students unravel the mysteries of news show structures and use their newfound knowledge to create their very own news show!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
2
Beyond the Headlines: Color Stories
Dive into the colorful world of emotions and branding! Students get hands-on with colors, decode logo meanings, and craft a captivating color story for their news show. It's market research like never before!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
3
Beyond the Headlines: Sneaky Logos
Dive into the world of iconic logos! In this lesson, we decode why our brains love images over words, transform plain logos into iconic masterpieces, and give friendly feedback. Get ready to unleash your inner designer!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
4
Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch
Ready to master the art of the pitch? Students learn how to craft a persuasive pitch by watching Shark Tank pitches, collaboratively developing key sentences, and creating their pitches for a News Hour show. They'll then pitch their ideas to peers, receiving valuable feedback and enhancing their pitching skills.
This is the culminating activity of SRL’s Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
5
A News Show Structure: Run-of-Shows
Calling all future news show producers! Dive into our dynamic lesson, where students become the architects of a 60-minute news show. They'll learn the art of story organization and create their run-of-show.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
6
A News Show Structure: Organizing Run-of-Shows
Welcome, News Producers! Today, we're unraveling the art of crafting compelling news shows. Collaborate, reconstruct, and curate your 60-minute news masterpiece as you analyze and build a run-of-show. Explore the audience's psyche and weave stories that resonate—craft a captivating news narrative together!
This activity is best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
7
A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers
Unveil the art of teaser writing in our thrilling lesson! Students will learn how to grab attention with captivating teasers that leave you craving more. It's all about the perfect pitch, from spine-tingling headlines to suspenseful sneak peeks!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
8
A News Show Structure: Block B and the Weather
Step into the shoes of a weatherperson in our exciting lesson! Students decode weather symbols, create a legendary forecast, and experience the thrill of delivering it using a teleprompter setup.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
9
A News Show Structure: Block C and Headlines
Extra! Extra! Dive into the world of headline writing in our exciting lesson! Students learn the art of crafting captivating headlines that tell the story at a glance. Get ready to make headlines that shine!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
10
A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest Stories
Step into the world of heartwarming storytelling! Students explore the magic of human-interest stories, celebrating incredible achievements and acts of kindness within their community. Get ready to share stories that touch the heart!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
11
A News Show Structure: Block E and Sports
Dive into the world of data visualization with us! Students learn to turn complex data into captivating graphics that tell a story. Unleash the power of visualizing information in our exciting lesson!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
12
A News Show Structure: Block F and Celebrities
Are you ready to produce some celebrity news? This lesson dives into "Block F" of a New Show, where celebrity stories are spotlighted!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
13
A News Show Structure: Block G and Kickers
Students embark on a journey into news storytelling, emotions, and impactful communication. Engage in positive reporting with a trip to a fake World’s Fair of Achievements.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
14
A News Show Structure: Show Openers
In this immersive lesson, students act as news show creators, delving into the art of crafting an attention-grabbing opener for their broadcasts. Students learn to craft a stronger Opener, a necessary skill when writing a news show or a paper.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
15
A News Show Structure: Design My News Hour
Students take on the role of Executive Producers for a new News Show, immersing themselves in the art of structuring a compelling news hour. Leveraging everything they learned thus far in the From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour Module, your young news architects will map out the blueprint of their 60-minute news broadcasts.
This activity is a culmination of SRL’s The News Show Structure series. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
16
A News Show Structure: Closing
Get ready to master the art of powerful conclusions! Students learn the secrets of crafting engaging conclusion sentences for their fictional news shows. Join us and discover your signature signoff!
This lesson can be completed independently. It is also lesson 15 in SRL’s A News Show Structure Series and is the 15th lesson in SRL’s Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.
17
Be an Assignment Editor: Understanding Perspectives
Sharpen your awareness! Students explore how selective attention can affect memory and perception in journalism and reporting. Join us in mastering the art of trustworthy reporting!
This lesson can be completed independently. It is also lesson 1 in SRL’s Be An Assignment Editor Series and is the 16th lesson in SRL’s Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.
18
Be an Assignment Editor: Multiple Sources
Learn why journalists always seek multiple sources and the critical role of fact verification in reporting the truth.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
19
Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle
Unlock the secrets of journalism in today's investigative lesson! Join us in playing detective, decoding clues, and uncovering the key to journalism - finding the story or angle! Get ready to think critically and collaborate with your fellow reporters.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
20
Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons
Calling all future Assignment Editors! In this activity, students step into the shoes of an Assignment Editor and make crucial decisions about who covers which news story. Join the discussion, share your reasoning, and learn why pairing the right team with a news story is vital to journalism.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
21
Be an Assignment Editor: Design Your News Hour Main Stage
Lights, camera, design! In this lesson, budding news show creators become stage designers. They craft the perfect main stage that looks amazing and reflects a show's theme and brand.
This is the culminating lesson in SRL’s module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. Students must complete the previous 20 lessons before attempting this activity. This module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
From Concept to Screen: Building Your Own News Show
Overview
Continue Your Journey
1
Beyond the Headlines: Analyzing the Core of News Shows
Ready to uncover news show secrets? Join us as students unravel the mysteries of news show structures and use their newfound knowledge to create their very own news show!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
2
Beyond the Headlines: Color Stories
Dive into the colorful world of emotions and branding! Students get hands-on with colors, decode logo meanings, and craft a captivating color story for their news show. It's market research like never before!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
3
Beyond the Headlines: Sneaky Logos
Dive into the world of iconic logos! In this lesson, we decode why our brains love images over words, transform plain logos into iconic masterpieces, and give friendly feedback. Get ready to unleash your inner designer!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
4
Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch
Ready to master the art of the pitch? Students learn how to craft a persuasive pitch by watching Shark Tank pitches, collaboratively developing key sentences, and creating their pitches for a News Hour show. They'll then pitch their ideas to peers, receiving valuable feedback and enhancing their pitching skills.
This is the culminating activity of SRL’s Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
5
A News Show Structure: Run-of-Shows
Calling all future news show producers! Dive into our dynamic lesson, where students become the architects of a 60-minute news show. They'll learn the art of story organization and create their run-of-show.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
6
A News Show Structure: Organizing Run-of-Shows
Welcome, News Producers! Today, we're unraveling the art of crafting compelling news shows. Collaborate, reconstruct, and curate your 60-minute news masterpiece as you analyze and build a run-of-show. Explore the audience's psyche and weave stories that resonate—craft a captivating news narrative together!
This activity is best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
7
A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers
Unveil the art of teaser writing in our thrilling lesson! Students will learn how to grab attention with captivating teasers that leave you craving more. It's all about the perfect pitch, from spine-tingling headlines to suspenseful sneak peeks!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
8
A News Show Structure: Block B and the Weather
Step into the shoes of a weatherperson in our exciting lesson! Students decode weather symbols, create a legendary forecast, and experience the thrill of delivering it using a teleprompter setup.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
9
A News Show Structure: Block C and Headlines
Extra! Extra! Dive into the world of headline writing in our exciting lesson! Students learn the art of crafting captivating headlines that tell the story at a glance. Get ready to make headlines that shine!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
10
A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest Stories
Step into the world of heartwarming storytelling! Students explore the magic of human-interest stories, celebrating incredible achievements and acts of kindness within their community. Get ready to share stories that touch the heart!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
11
A News Show Structure: Block E and Sports
Dive into the world of data visualization with us! Students learn to turn complex data into captivating graphics that tell a story. Unleash the power of visualizing information in our exciting lesson!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
12
A News Show Structure: Block F and Celebrities
Are you ready to produce some celebrity news? This lesson dives into "Block F" of a New Show, where celebrity stories are spotlighted!
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
13
A News Show Structure: Block G and Kickers
Students embark on a journey into news storytelling, emotions, and impactful communication. Engage in positive reporting with a trip to a fake World’s Fair of Achievements.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
14
A News Show Structure: Show Openers
In this immersive lesson, students act as news show creators, delving into the art of crafting an attention-grabbing opener for their broadcasts. Students learn to craft a stronger Opener, a necessary skill when writing a news show or a paper.
This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
15
A News Show Structure: Design My News Hour
Students take on the role of Executive Producers for a new News Show, immersing themselves in the art of structuring a compelling news hour. Leveraging everything they learned thus far in the From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour Module, your young news architects will map out the blueprint of their 60-minute news broadcasts.
This activity is a culmination of SRL’s The News Show Structure series. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
16
A News Show Structure: Closing
Get ready to master the art of powerful conclusions! Students learn the secrets of crafting engaging conclusion sentences for their fictional news shows. Join us and discover your signature signoff!
This lesson can be completed independently. It is also lesson 15 in SRL’s A News Show Structure Series and is the 15th lesson in SRL’s Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.
17
Be an Assignment Editor: Understanding Perspectives
Sharpen your awareness! Students explore how selective attention can affect memory and perception in journalism and reporting. Join us in mastering the art of trustworthy reporting!
This lesson can be completed independently. It is also lesson 1 in SRL’s Be An Assignment Editor Series and is the 16th lesson in SRL’s Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.
18
Be an Assignment Editor: Multiple Sources
Learn why journalists always seek multiple sources and the critical role of fact verification in reporting the truth.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
19
Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle
Unlock the secrets of journalism in today's investigative lesson! Join us in playing detective, decoding clues, and uncovering the key to journalism - finding the story or angle! Get ready to think critically and collaborate with your fellow reporters.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
20
Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons
Calling all future Assignment Editors! In this activity, students step into the shoes of an Assignment Editor and make crucial decisions about who covers which news story. Join the discussion, share your reasoning, and learn why pairing the right team with a news story is vital to journalism.
This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
21
Be an Assignment Editor: Design Your News Hour Main Stage
Lights, camera, design! In this lesson, budding news show creators become stage designers. They craft the perfect main stage that looks amazing and reflects a show's theme and brand.
This is the culminating lesson in SRL’s module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. Students must complete the previous 20 lessons before attempting this activity. This module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.
Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.
Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.