Over-produced --  There is often a tendency to add chyrons or music in an effort to "jazz" up the VNR.  That's the opposite of what broadcasters want.  They want something that is flexible enough to put their own imprint on, such as their own graphics package.  In short, if they can't make it look like their own production, they are less likely to use it.

Missing key elements --  A good VNR contains each of these elements:

• A :60-:90 "rough cut" package (minus graphics and special effects) with a couple of soundbites and an announcer voiceover with a generic outcue.  This should  be  preceded by a billboard chyron which gives pertinent background information on the story, the suggested lead-in, the length of the package, the outcue, and the name of  telephone number of a person who may be contacted for more information.  If the material is dated and should be aired before a specific date, that should be indicated as well.

• Three to five minutes of "B-roll."  It may include video from the package, but should also include additional video.  The video should be steady and well-framed.  Each shot should be held long enough to give the editor some flexibility in editing.  When appropriate, a chyron billboard should describe what is on the B-roll (the billboard is separate and is not keyed over the B-roll).  This B-roll should also include any logos or title graphics that are appropriate.

• A series of soundbites.  These bites should run from eight to 20 second in length.  They may include cuts from the package, but should include additional cuts, as well.  Each should preceded with a chyron billboard the gives the name of the speaker, the set-up to the question, the length of the cut, and the outcue.

Pictures don't match the words -- Because students often do not adequately plan their video shooting in advance, they often find themselves trying to "stretch" in the editing booth by using inferior or inappropriate video.