What is the main portion of audio video footage in a news story?

• A. A-Roll
• B. B-Roll
• C. Cutaway
• D. Lower Third

Answer: (A)

The main portion of audio and video footage in a news story is the A-Roll. This is the primary video that carries the narrative—usually the interview clips or the reporter speaking—which provides the core storytelling and is most closely tied to the voiceover or narration. Editors anchor the piece with A-Roll and then bring in B-Roll to illustrate points, show relevant actions, or cover cuts between segments. B-Roll, by contrast, is the supporting footage that enriches the story but isn’t the central video driving the narration. Cutaways are a specific kind of B-Roll used to provide visual context or reactions and to help hide edits. A Lower Third is the on-screen text that identifies speakers or provides context, not the main footage itself.