Editorial Guidelines for Broadcast Engineering Magazine

EDITORIAL DIRECTION

Broadcast Engineering is a technical journal directed toward the technical information needs and interests of field engineers and technical and corporate management at radio, television and related facilities. We seek to provide editorial material that meets the on-the-job requirements of these groups.

A station engineer, operator or manager has a limited amount of available time. To interest this reader in our publication, we must deliver material that is on-target, usable in the reader’s everyday work and interesting.

What we print

We print articles that discuss technical topics in a generic sense, without reference to specific products or companies. Articles should discuss the technology that applies to a type of device or system, not how a specific product works. Making articles generic in nature and non-product specific or company specific forces the author and editor to cover the subject in a broad sense, which interests a larger audience. Specific mention of a product or company should only be made in a photo or artwork caption, and only when necessary. There are three exceptions to this rule:

l) Field Reports and the Applied Technology department, which by design are product specific;

2) Trade convention preview or review articles, which are usually product or company specific in order to be complete;

3) Historical articles, which require mention of specific products or companies in order to tell the complete story.

General style

• BE uses a tutorial style. We want tight copy without unnecessary verbiage. Do not write a narrative manuscript.
• Do not use humor in a manuscript.
• Do not use a “reporting” style of article construction. We rarely run quotes from individuals.
• Do not give your personal opinions unless they are backed by hard and convincing documentation. If you do express a personal opinion, clearly identify it as such in the manuscript.
• Write about topics that provide useful information to the user or discuss an important developing technology. We are looking for articles that readers can use in their daily work. Articles should discuss how equipment works, how it can be used and how to repair it when a failure occurs
• As a general rule include one photo, slide, illustration or chart for every page of manuscript you submit. This is, of course, an arbitrary goal, but it reminds authors of the need to provide illustrations of the subject they are covering. Product photographs provided with articles should have a specific need to be included. If the equipment has a unique feature that can be seen in a product shot better than it can be described in the copy, it will be used
• Do not list the names of individual persons involved in a project at a facility unless they add something to the story.
• Use the active voice rather than the passive voice in article construction. For example, write “Check all transformers for overheating” rather than “All transformers should be checked for overheating.”
• Use the first paragraph of the story to draw the reader into the article. Avoid beginning the article with dry statistics or broad generalizations. Instead, pick something unique about the material to be presented that will pique the reader’s interest. Tell the reader something that he or she can identify with.
• Develop a short and interesting headline for the article. Avoid long, dry headlines. Search for a headline that will make the reader want to learn more.

Stick to the point

Select a topic that is broad enough in scope to interest the greatest number of readers. Also, keep it narrow enough to make the subject matter manageable within the space provided. For example, an article on the implementation of sub carrier transmissions for personal paging applications would be a better topic than a study of the SCA industry — including applicable FCC rules on sub carrier use, sub carrier equipment, interfacing SCA hardware to an FM transmitter and personal paging applications. The all-inclusive article is too broad in scope. The narrower discussion of personal paging services allows the author to go into greater detail on the subject matter. An outline will help you stay within the bounds of the topic. It will also avoid subject tangents, which can serve to confuse rather than inform the reader.

Fill a need

The best article in the world is of little value if no one reads it. We have an editorial schedule that we are committed to meeting, and topics outside the pre-planned agenda are inserted on a space-available basis. Therefore, contact us in writing before proceeding with the development of a manuscript. Consult the editor to determine whether the proposed subject matter is of interest, and if so, what timetable for publication might be anticipated. This feedback will greatly aid you in determining whether to spend time and effort preparing the manuscript.

Look at the editorial calendar found at the end of this material for possible topics. Keep in mind that many topics have already been assigned.

BE has established a list of “Consultants and Regular Authors,” which is sent in “FYI Memos” that detail editorial needs for future issues. The “Call for Manuscripts” memos describe briefly the editorial material required and the timetable expected for submission of a manuscript. Interested individuals may then contact the BE editorial staff to discuss filling a particular need.

Any user or consultant author that has been published in a Primedia Business magazine (BE, Video Systems, Sound and Video Contractor,) may request to be placed on the “Consultants and Regular Authors” list. Because we seek to gain as much editorial input from end-users as possible, personnel from equipment manufacturers may not be placed on the “Consultants and Regular Authors” list. Editorial contributions from manufacturers that meet the BE editorial guidelines previously outlined are welcomed.

Check the facts

A technical writer can commit no greater sin than providing incorrect data. Thoroughly check all information included in an engineering paper for accuracy before sending it to the magazine. Give special attention to mathematical formulas, which can be particularly troublesome.

We have found that the best way to check the accuracy of a manuscript is to submit it to several engineers knowledgeable in the field for review. A second or third opinion can greatly help you clear up parts of the manuscript that may not be accurate, fair or easily understood by the reader. An author can often become too involved in a subject and miss valid points that should be covered. A second or third reading will prevent such problems.

It is important that any questions about the completeness or accuracy of a manuscript be worked out before the article reaches the magazine editor. If, by the determination of the editor, major changes are required in your manuscript, you will be consulted and the proposed changes will be detailed. This review and revision process should not be considered criticism of your work. The idea of the procedure is to generate an article that is a credit to the magazine and to the author.

Artwork considerations

The planning and preparation of artwork for a technical article is a consideration that is often overlooked. When preparing a technical manuscript, consider what artwork (photographs, charts, tables or schematics) could be included to make the presentation easier to understand and more interesting to read.

Sidebars

Story information that you wish to include in an article that is not directly a part of the subject matter should be separated into a “sidebar.” Sidebars can cover information that, if added to the main story, would take the reader away from the central point of the article. For example, the topic of sub carrier transmissions for personal paging applications (mentioned earlier) could have a sidebar on sub carrier application options currently available to broadcasters or present common-carrier licensing procedures.

Biographical data

If you are submitting an article to Broadcast Engineering for the first time, include a short note on your background in the industry. If you have had articles published in other periodicals, say so.

Abstract

Each feature article should be accompanied by an informal abstract of not more than one page. The abstract should tell the editor why the topic is important to readers and briefly outline the information contained in the proposed article. The abstract should also identify to the editor the target audience of the article.

Turnaround time

When an article arrives from an outside author, it is reviewed (usually within two weeks) to see if the manuscript is generally acceptable for publication. We will then notify you by e-mail of whether we can use the material, and if so, when it might be published. Please keep in mind that this date is only an estimate and is subject to change, depending on the editorial requirements of the magazine.

The length of time that can elapse between the date you submit an article for publication and when it appears in print can vary greatly, depending on the particular article. Because of the length of time required to produce a magazine such as Broadcast Engineering, the minimum turnaround time is about two months.

Once your article has been accepted and you’ve signed the author’s agreement, you probably will not be contacted again until production begins on the features. If circumstances make it necessary to delay an article’s estimated publication date, we will try to notify you. If you are interested in the status of a manuscript that you have submitted, feel free to call us.

Payment of author’s fees

Authors fees are decided by the editor Brad Dick. The author’s fees will be paid to the author of the article at the time the manuscript is accepted for publication. The signed author’s agreement form and invoice, complete with the author’s social security number, must be received by BE before payment can be issued. If more than one author is credited on the byline, the fee will be split evenly between the authors. Payments will only be issued to individuals. We cannot issue payment for an article to a station, consulting firm or manufacturer.

At the option of the author, payment for an author’s fee may be donated to the Harold Ennis Scholarship Fund managed by the Society of Broadcast Engineers. If so requested, we will make payment directly to the scholarship fund in the name of the author.

Mechanical aspects of manuscripts

The manuscript must be typed, double-spaced, and only long enough to adequately cover the topic. Length of columns/departments ranges from 900 to 1350 words. Length of features ranges from 1200 to 3500 words. Longer articles would have to rate above average quality to be published. There are, likewise, no firm guidelines for inclusion of artwork or graphics. It is a good practice to include extra photos or technical art with the manuscript so the editor can pick and choose the ones that best fit the article and space available.

Once the manuscript has been accepted for publication, you will be required to sign a release form stating that the material is your own original work and that the magazine has full rights to use and edit it as necessary. If you wish to retain certain rights to the material, this point must be discussed ahead of time with the editor. A sample author’s agreement form is included in this package.

When material is taken from another printed source, permission from the copyright holder must be obtained in writing. This requirement applies not only to text passages but also to tables, photographs and technical art. Modifying a diagram slightly does not relieve you of the obligation to obtain permission for use of the material. Always contact the publisher of the material, rather than the author, for permission. Because of delays that may be experienced in obtaining permission for use of material, make the necessary contacts well in advance of the manuscript due date. All questions regarding ownership of text, photographs, tables and technical artwork must be resolved before submitting an article for consideration.

If necessary for completeness, compile a list of references for information contained in the manuscript. Include in the bibliography the title of the book or technical paper, author, publisher (including city and state), date published and pages (or chapter) referenced.

Checklist for manuscript mechanical requirements:

• Manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced
• The manuscript should be submitted on a 3.5-inch PC-compatible disk or CD. Include a printout of the manuscript with the disk.

All feature articles should include the following:

• A short and snappy suggested title on the first page.

Example: Cable/Telco/Broadcasting: Convergence or Confusion?

• One sentence that describes what the article is about.

Example: Where will broadcasters be when the dust settles?

• A brief summary (approximately three sentences long) that tells the financial impact of the topic covered in the article . This summary should provide just enough information to let the reader know if the article provides information that they would like to learn more about.
• Example: The techno-envy that has telecommunications giants poised to pick each others pockets will undoubtedly affect broadcasters’ futures. Yet the changes ahead may be simply turns in the broadcasters road, not the end of it. TV networks and stations exclusively possess key assets that re more valuable than any distribution system. Properly leveraging these strengths in the multichannel environment ahead may bring broadcasters unexpected new prosperity.
• Include subheadlines (not more than five words) at least every 1-1/2 pages.
• Include the author’s name, job title or description, company, city, and state for the author’s credit.

Photographs

Photographs must be of high quality. Instant (Polaroid-type) photos are not of sufficient quality to be used in a magazine. Digital camera files must provide 300dpi resolution at 4-inch x 5-inch size. Use a 35mm camera for photographs. Color slides and transparencies are preferable to color prints. If black-and-white photos are used, an 8”x10” glossy format is preferred, but smaller sizes are also acceptable.

Try to include people, even if the photos support circuit-oriented editorial. Show someone operating the unit or working on it, but void posed shots.

Include captions with each photo. Number each photo to match its caption. If a photo is referred to in the article, please make note of this on the caption.

Give a credit line to each photo. If photo credit should be given to an individual, it must be clearly stated on the photo caption sheet. (Unless specifically requested, no photo credits will be given.) If more than one photographer must be credited, clearly state on which photos the credit should be placed. In no case will we list a photo credit to a single individual more than once in an article.

Photographs supplied by manufacturers will not be credited unless specifically requested. Photo credit will not be given to a company if the company name, logo or product name is clearly visible in the photograph. A photo credit to a manufacturer will not be listed more than once in an article.

Indicate any labels, arrows and other markings that are to be added to a photograph or other technical art on a transparent overlay and not on the artwork itself. Tape the overlay on the back of the artwork and fold it over the front. Do not staple or clip the overlay in place.

Write lightly on the back of the photographs with a soft pencil only. Avoid making an imprint on the glossy surface of the photo. Do not use a hard lead pencil, ballpoint pen or felt-tip pen.

Drawings and schematics

We do not assume you are an artist. Block diagrams, schematics and drawings can be submitted as sketches, but they must be easy to understand. Our art department will give them the professional touch. Accurately draw and clearly label graphs, charts and tables. Mistakes are easily made in the creation of technical art, and particular attention must be paid to such matters. Keep all technical art as clear and concise as possible, without unnecessary components or notations. Do not waste your time creating camera-ready art. Few drawings prepared by outside authors are used as drawn. Submit accurate, clear and well-labeled drawings. Our designers redraw your concepts in order to meet BE style guidelines.

Graphics can also be submitted on computer disk. Please call to find out the best format to use. Questions regarding art — call Robin Morsbach, Associate Art Director, 636-326-9765.

Provide suggested captions for all artwork submitted.

Cover art/photo

Artwork for use on the magazine’s front cover is a special case that should be discussed with the editor. Selection of cover artwork involves a number of approval steps. The cover photo must be of top technical quality (such as a 4”x5” color transparency). Because of its importance to the magazine, planning for cover artwork is done well in advance of the issue cover date.

EDITORIAL DATA

BE Departments

The departments and columns in Broadcast Engineering cover topics in specific subject areas on a monthly basis. These include changes in federal policies and technological developments that will dramatically impact the production and broadcast industry.

The feature columns, written by BE consultants or the BE editorial staff, include:

FCC UPDATE: Written by Harry Martin from the law firm of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth. FCC Update discusses current legislative actions pending before the FCC. Topics are geared toward proceedings that affect broadcasters and the possible implications of future actions.

Transition to Digital: A tutorial discussion of the issues and technology readers need to understand to implement digital solutions at their facilities.

Computers & Networks: A tutorial presentation on computer networking and how it can be implemented by readers in their facilities.

Transmission & Distribution: Consulting engineer, Don Markley, instructs readers about transmitter and antenna issues through his 30 years of experience.

Production Clips: Tips and solutions for the production house and TV stations.

New Products: This department is devoted to announcements of products that are new to the industry. The product itself should be new, not simply repackaged. The new product summary will include a basic description of the functions and features of the unit or system. It will not include the price or relative price of the product. New product releases should be kept short and to the point. We appreciate receiving additional background information on a new product, but this detailed information cannot be used in the New Product column because of space limitations. Photographs will be used in the New Products column as space permits. Color slides or transparencies are preferred.

Questions regarding New Products — Call Laura Dixon, phone: 913-967-1644

We will deviate from our normal new product procedure during the annual NAB convention. Because of the huge volume of new products that accompany the NAB, we will not run new product announcements that are tied to the convention. Our NAB Preview (March) and NAB Review (June) issues are devoted to covering such product introductions. New product announcements submitted during convention time that are not written to tie the product announcement to the convention will be run as usual.

NEWS: This department can be distinctly separated from the “Business” department because “Business” relates directly to one company, whereas the news department relates to all companies within the industry. News items deal with technological developments and legal proceedings that may affect or change the industry.

Basic guidelines for writing a Broadcast Engineering Applied Technology article

Length, 1000 words

Graphics, one-two photos of technology in use. No “Hi mom” shots. (That means someone grinning at the camera.)

Copy deadline, 60 days prior to month of publication.

Structure:

1) Describe the problem, issue, challenge. What needed to be solved or improved? Spend 100-200 words describing this area.

2) Describe your company’s particular solution/product. Mention product name. Describe key benefits, features, options. 100 words

3) Detail what the technology is, how it works, what makes it better/faster/whatever. Use about 500-600 words here. This is where you teach the reader about what’s “under the hood”. Let them understand the basic technology/process you use. It’s okay to say that because of your particular circuit, “speed is improved 20%, storage is 15% greater. Just do not make comparisons between other company products. Be sure you justify your claims in the test.

4) Summarize product and benefits. Spend 100-150 words.

5) Include one product photo, any needed block diagram or drawing can be done here. All we need is a sketch or photocopy.

6) General writing style. Be tutorial. Write as though you were talking directly to the reader. Don’t try and sell the product or use PR pitch. Such copy will be removed anyway. Limit product name mentions to less than six. Use generic equivalents in the remainder of the story. Examples; unit, modulator, switcher, router, camera. Think of an Applied Technology article as a mini-white paper.

Talk to the editor before you start the story. These stories run on a first-in, first-out, space available basis. If your story won’t run for four months, don’t panic in writing it. Also, you need to call the editor to confirm that you want to produce the story and tell him when it will be available.

Questions? Contact Brad Dick, Editorial Director, Broadcast Engineering and Broadcast Engineering – World Edition 913-967-1737, bdick@primediabusiness.com

FIELD REPORT: The Field Report is an exclusive BE feature. Each article is prepared by the staff of a production facility, consulting firm or a broadcast station. The intent is to have the equipment tested on-site. The author is at liberty to discuss the product with industry leaders and to visit with other users and/or the manufacturer to track down pertinent facts.

In order to treat all products covered in Field Reports equally, a common format will be used. Describe what the product is, how it is used, the basics of how it works, good features, problem areas and serviceability. The manuscript will normally run six to eight double-spaced typed pages. Include technical art, such as a simplified block diagram of the unit. Include measured test results if applicable. Test data must, however, be kept to a minimum because of space limitations.

Field Report Requirements: A Field Report article must be an original work written exclusively for Broadcast Engineering magazine. The Field Report is designed to assess the applicability of the product, including personal opinions of the reviewer on good features and limitations — if any. In essence, Field Reports are prepared by and for the industry. Manufacturer’s support is limited to providing loan equipment and to aiding the author if support is requested in some area.

All Field Reports must be written by the user or engineer responsible for installation or maintenance of the device or system. The Field Report cannot be written for the user by a manufacturer or public relations company and must carry the byline of the user. The user, in conjunction with the BE technical editor responsible for processing Field Reports, will have final say on the information contained in the article. Manufacturers or their public relations firms cannot be given advance copies of Field Reports before they are published.

When preparing a Field Report manuscript, include a discussion of the following:

• equipment design
• operation
• application

Outline the product’s good points and bad points (if any).

Because serviceability is an important consideration for any piece of equipment, discuss the construction of the unit and the maintenance documentation that is provided by the manufacturer.

Although the Field Report is the only BE feature that deals specifically with one company’s product, keep mention of the company name to a minimum. Once introduced as Company A’s product, there is seldom any need to bring up the company’s name again.

Prepare a “Product Highlight” list that outlines the major features and/or performance specifications of the unit.

Try to include a high-quality color photo of the unit by itself (a product shot) or in use at the facility.

Field Report checklist:

• Written by a user
• Submit manuscript of 6-8 pages, typed, double-spaced (1000-1200 words)
• Outline the need for and application of the product (if necessary)
• Describe how the product works (include a basic block diagram)
• Discuss installation (if appropriate)
• Discuss operation
• Discuss performance
• Examine maintainability
• Report on documentation provided for the product
• Measure performance and report the results
• Discuss unique attributes of the product
• Discuss problems or limitations
• Include a photograph (color) of the product by itself or in use
• Include documentation of test results
• Include a 5-point “Product Highlight” summary
• Keep company and product name mentions to a minimum
• Be objective. Write the manuscript with a “just-the-facts” approach

Broadcast Engineering will be forced to reject Field Report manuscripts that do not meet the above guidelines. The goal of these rules is to ensure that Field Report articles are complete, objective and thorough.

If you have any questions about the BE Field Report, contact the editor.

Press release general policy

The editors of Broadcast Engineering receive hundreds of press releases each week. We cannot use them all. Therefore, we ask that companies carefully consider the relevance to technical or professional managers at radio, TV and production facilities.

For our purposes, the best news releases are those that clearly state in the first paragraph what is new, what is important and the impact or benefit to the broadcaster. Press releases should not be short stories designed to entertain the reader. Press releases should state in as few words as possible the who, what, when, where and why of the situation.

Broadcast Engineering magazine is published by PRIMEDIA Intertec Publishing Corporation. Address all correspondence to:

Broadcast Engineering magazine

ATTENTION: (name)

P.O. Box 12901

Overland Park, KS 66282-2901

Phone: 913-341-1300

Fax: 913-967-1905

Address Express Mail and FED-X packages to:

Broadcast Engineering magazine

ATTENTION: (name)

9800 Metcalf Avenue

Overland Park, KS 66212-2215

The Primedia Business Rapidfax number is: (913)541-6697

The Primedia Business Telex number is: 42-4156 INTERTEC OLPK

Electronic manuscript submissions should be on 3.5-inch disks or CDs, both IBM and MAC compatible.

Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (Central Time). Editors are often in the office much later, so calls after hours will likely receive attention.

EDITORIAL STAFF CONTACTS

If you have questions about the editorial policies and procedures of Broadcast Engineering, feel free to write or call any following member of the editorial staff.

General editorial policy and manuscript acceptance: Brad Dick, Editor, 913-967-1737; fax 913-514-6737; bdick@primediabusiness.com

Technical Editor: Don Keller, 570-895-4378; dkeller@primediabusiness.com

New Products releases: Chevonn Payton, Associate Editor, 913-967-1739; cpayton@primediabusiness.com

Magazine production: Laura Dixon, Senior Associate Editor, 913-967-1644; lacollins@primediabusiness.com

Art, Photos: Robin Morsbach, Associate Art Director, 636-326-9765; fax 913-514-6536; rmorsbach@primediabusiness.com

Field Reports/Applied Technology: Laura Dixon, Senior Associate Editor, 913-967-1644; lacollins@primediabusiness.com

Web site: Chevonn Payton, 913-967-1739; fax 913-967-1905; cpayton@primediabusiness.com

Mail address: P.O. Box 12901, Overland Park, KS 66282-2901

Courier address: 9800 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park KS 66212-2215

Main telephone: 913-341-1300

Fax: 913-967-1905

Web site: www.broadcastengineering.com

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Click here for a copy of Broadcast Engineering's Applied Technology guidelines.

Click here for a copy of Broadcast Engineering's Field Report guidelines.

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