Vox pop
A Vox pop (short form of Latin Vox populi , German voice of the people ) is a journalistic contribution in the form of a survey and an excerpt from it ready for broadcast. Usually passers-by are interviewed about their knowledge or their opinion on a certain topic . Exactly one question is asked to several people. The term Vox pop is mainly used in radio and television . In print and online journalism it is called a survey . In Marketing also be Vox pop radio or TV spots used in which excerpts are used from such interviews for promotional purposes.
shape
A Vox Pop is a compilation of concise answers or expressions of opinion from selected people (e.g. passers-by in a pedestrian zone on political issues or participants in an event). The question is usually only asked once at the beginning of the Vox Pop when introducing the contribution. The Vox Pop itself then only consists of the respondents' answers. Often only the core statement of the respondents is used in the post-processing, so that the Vox Pop results in a quick string of keywords.
If possible, attention is paid to a balanced ratio of men and women as well as the age groups, which are also cut together alternately if possible. On television, care is also taken to ensure that the respondents stand alternately on the left and right in the picture.
Strengths and weaknesses
A Vox Pop is a grateful means for a journalist to underpin a topic with diverse opinions. The fact that the ordinary citizen has their say gives at least the impression that the journalist wanted to present the topic as it is perceived by the general public. At Vox Pops, who report on the quality of events, the diversity of opinions also conveys a certain seriousness .
In doing so, the journalist has a great deal of creative freedom through his questions and the choice of answers used; he can very well steer a vox pop in a certain direction. In addition, for example, by carefully selecting the most inappropriate answers, people can be exposed.
See also
Web links
- The 'Vox Pop', Peter Hüllen, Deutsche Welle Akademie (PDF; 98 kB)
literature
- Walther von La Roche / Axel Buchholz : radio journalism. 10th edition. Wiesbaden: Springer VS, 2013, ISBN 978-3-658-02684-4 (e-book)
- Gabriele Hooffacker , Klaus Meier : La Roche's introduction to practical journalism: With a detailed description of all training paths Germany · Austria · Switzerland , Springer VS, Wiesbaden 2017, ISBN 978-3-658-16657-1 (= journalistic practice )
- Gerhard Schult / Axel Buchholz (ed.): TV journalism. A Manual for Education and Practice. With video journalism. Journalistische Praxis series, 8th edition Berlin (Econ) 2011. Website for the book with further information on the profession