Multimedia Minutes: The Efficient MMJ

September 8th, 2010

“Help me do more in less time,” is a frequent plea from MMJs and news managers.

AR&D Strategist Fred Ertz, who has analyzed TV news operations workflow for the last two years, offered his insights in an AR&D national webinar.  I begin with Fred’s top three points, then he outlines the results of a series of workflow analyses.  Click to make the video fill your screen so you can see Fred’s PowerPoint graphic clearly or just look at the graphic itself below the video.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 108 Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: Creative Stand-Ups

July 20th, 2010

Your stand-ups can reveal your creativity.  And they beat shooting and voicing over boring video.  Plus on-camera storytelling from the field helps build your identity. 

For many more Multimedia Minutes, click on the links to the right under Recent Posts.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 38 Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: A Major Snag on the Inside

June 15th, 2010

If you even wonder why moving a station ahead in the ratings is so challenging, watch this very short video.  Based on a study of employees at corporation, it’s revealing about the challenges multimedia journalists and news managers face.

If as multimedia journalist you’re unclear about your station’s goals, ask.  If you’re a news manager, check in with your staff to ensure your goals are clear.  Studies show you can’t possibly over communicate goals and pathways to achieve them.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 3 Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: “Don’t You Trust Me?”

June 2nd, 2010

“Don’t you trust me?” is a question many multimedia journalists ask news managers who want to keep a close eye on their stories. 

In some cases it may be a matter of trust, but in most the managers are just trying to help.  It reminds me of a documentary about “60 Minutes” showing the very experienced and successful Mike Wallace getting grilled by the show’s legendary creator Don Hewitt. 

As you see, he didn’t like it.  Wallace was as experienced as they come, but his reporting could still stand fine tuning.  So even though you may be uncomfortable with oversight, use it to your advantage:  Improve every day.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 2 Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: How to Put a Face on a Story

May 28th, 2010

Finding a “real person” for stories isn’t easy, so sometimes you just need to ask your viewers on your air and on your Web site.  We’ve recommended this approach to news directors.  They say it not only helps find human angles but also provides a deeper understanding of the issue from the people closest to the problem — parents and kids.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »

Multimedia Minutes: A Proven Way to Improve Storytelling

May 25th, 2010

Managers frequently ask for ways to help improve storytelling and efficiency.  Here’s one approach we recommend because it contrasts the old way vs. the new.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »

Multimedia Minutes: Keeping Score — Enterprise Journalism

May 5th, 2010

You keep score in sports and know who the home run leaders are.  Recognize the leaders in the newsroom in enterprise reporting. 

Here’s a simple model.  The real one would have actual names.  Sales departments at several TV stations have taken this approach to recognize the top billers.  After all, you can’t manage it unless you can measure it.  If your batting average is low, ask managers to share best practices with you.  Also, look through Recent Posts to your right for learning videos about enterprise reporting.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 2 Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: Old Way vs New Way

May 2nd, 2010

Identifying the “New Way” compared to the makes for a strong learning tool.

Learn alot 24/7 by watching Videos under Recent Posts to the right.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »

Multimedia Minutes: Quick Tip on Differentiating Newscasts

April 26th, 2010

You’ve heard the viewer complaint:  “Your newscasts are alike, so I just watch one now.”  Here’s a simple, practical, and proven approach you can do today.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »

Multimedia Minutes: Writing Tip — Surprise and Delight

April 26th, 2010

Writing can engage and delight.  But because of the new realities of multi-tasking, you likely have little time to think much about your writing for on air or Web.  But just a few minutes might turn an average reader into a clever one because, for example, you plan a surprise.  This is a classic from my files.

Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »