What is the term for a recorded comment used in a news story, typically from a source other than the anchor?

• A. SOT or Sound Bit
• B. Sting
• C. Standup
• D. Still

Answer: (A)

In broadcast storytelling, a short recorded comment from someone other than the anchor is a sound bite, often called a SOT (sound on tape). It’s a brief clip of the person speaking that editors pull from an interview to illustrate a point, provide direct voice, or add credibility to the story. This is different from a standup, where the reporter is on camera delivering narration, a sting which is merely a brief musical cue between segments, or a still, which is a static image with no audio. The value of a sound bite lies in letting the subject speak directly, giving viewers a sense of authenticity and perspective from the person being reported on.