• What Does Your Resume Video Look Like?

    June 9th, 2011

    To show that the Today Show’s new host Ann Curry is an experienced journalist — not just a news reader or personality — they showed memorable moments. As we pointed out in a similar salute to Meredith Vieira, success is all about memorable moments.

    But forget about Curry and Vieira for a moment, and think about yourself. What would a salute to you look like? What are the memorable moments? If you feel you’re coming up short, how can you create them?

    Yes, you can set a camera up on a tripod when you have to. Or for big stories, you might have the opportunity to work with a photographer. But either way, think of those moments you need to capture.  And you don’t have to think of a resume video as much as what you want viewers in your market to say about you.  Specifically, what makes you uniquely valuable to them?

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  • Asking Questions Will Set You Apart

    June 8th, 2011

    Here’s yet another example how good questions will distinguish your reporting. And from, of all places, The Today Show. Here’s an excerpt from NBC’s tribute to Meredith Vieira on her last day.

     

    Posted in Bob Kaplitz video, broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, Social Media, TV news training | No Comments »

  • Multimedia Minutes: People Power

    October 22nd, 2010

    Easy to get soundbites with officials dominate many newscasts even though most of those soundbites bore viewers.

    Here’s one way to connect with viewers according to award-winning storyteller Bob Dotson.

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

  • Multimedia Minutes: A Quality You Must Have or Develop

    October 22nd, 2010

    One of the most important skills for multimedia journalists is described by Today Show National Correspondent Bob Dotson — recognized by many as America’s great storyteller.  This is from my Skype interview with Bob at his office at NBC.

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    WHY THIS BLOG IS VALUABLE:  WHAT A GENERAL MANAGER SAYS

    Regarding the blog videos, I’d say the most value is in their regularity and frequency.  It’s good having something like that coming at the younger talent in the news room because it not only helps them in their growth, but makes them feel they’re on the “inside” and we’re engaged with them.  — Greg Raschio, General Manager, KVAL-TV/Eugene, OR

    Posted in Bob Kaplitz video, broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 6 Comments »

  • Multimedia Minutes: Running Out of Time?

    October 21st, 2010

    Running out of time on your stories?

    This drives all of us crazy at one time or another.  So what can multimedia journalists do to get more done in less time? 

    It comes down to getting what’s most valuable done, as Bob Dotson, National Correspondent for the Today Show, told me in a Skype interview.

    Benefit from the world’s largest library of on-demand learning videos.  Look under Recent Posts for articles and videos about dozens of subjects multimedia journalists and students ask about.

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    WHY THIS BLOG IS VALUABLE:  WHAT A GENERAL MANAGER SAYS

    Regarding the blog videos, I’d say the most value is in their regularity and frequency.  It’s good having something like that coming at the younger talent in the news room because it not only helps them in their growth, but makes them feel they’re on the “inside” and we’re engaged with them.  — Greg Raschio, General Manager, KVAL-TV/Eugene, OR

    Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 5 Comments »

  • Multimedia Minutes: Bob Dotson on How to Write Copy Nobody will Change

    October 20th, 2010

    Award-winning NBC Today Show correspondent Bob Dotson doesn’t appreciate anyone changing his copy any more than you do. 

    So how do you get it right the first time?  I asked him via Skype.

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

  • Multimedia Minutes: Bob Dotson on Dealing with the Rush to “Get it Online”

    October 19th, 2010

    Is all this convergence and the rush to “get it online” taking a toll on old-fashioned storytelling, or will we still have the Bob Dotson’s around 10 years from now?

    Bob Dotson:

    No question journalism is changing, but the techniques of storytelling are unchanged. Poets have been composing compelling stories at Twitter-length since the beginning of time.  

    We’ve always had deadlines that sliced time too thin for thought. But I’m hopeful. Visual storytelling used to be like writing on smoke. The story appeared one time and then faded away. Not any more. Digital technology puts your best efforts on an electronic shelf that viewers can find when they have time. Six million people see my stories on TODAY. On the Web many, many millions more. That reality provides production money for would be Bob Dotson’s to keep telling stories about us.

    Look for people who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but don’t send out press releases. After all, America was built, not just by great heroes or great politicians, but by ordinary people with wonderful ideas — by thousands whose names we don’t know, but should. They may not run for President or win a “Reality Show,” but without their contribution, the kind of country we know would not exist.

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    WHY THIS BLOG IS VALUABLE:  WHAT A GENERAL MANAGER SAYS

    Regarding the blog videos, I’d say the most value is in their regularity and frequency.  It’s good having something like that coming at the younger talent in the news room because it not only helps them in their growth, but makes them feel they’re on the “inside” and we’re engaged with them.  — Greg Raschio, General Manager, KVAL-TV/Eugene, OR

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

  • Multimedia Minutes: Turning a Budget Story into Great Visual Storytelling

    October 4th, 2010

    Next time you get a budget story to shoot, think of how Bob Dotson crafted this masterpiece. 

    Okay, Bob had more time and visuals than you likely have for most stories, but you can still find opportunities to deliver engaging elements.

    Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 7 Comments »

  • Multimedia Minutes: What the Nation’s Most Recognized TV Storyteller Learned from this Video

    February 8th, 2010

     

    You can learn a lot from one of the nation’s most respected storytellers, Bob Dotson.  He’s been recognized multiple times for his work, which appears on the Today Show as “American Story.” 

     

    This is one of my favorite stories.  My comments — learning opportunities — appear at the bottom of the screen. 

     

    Bob’s comments on seeing this blog posting are gracious:  “You even taught the guy who did the story. It’s not often that I get to examine my own process. Thanks for those kind words.”

     

     

    Although Bob works with a photojournalist, the tips you learn here can improve your storytelling — from the angles you shoot to edits you make.  You can find more of Bob’s work at:  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19333758/ns/today-today_people/

    Increase your value as an MMJ by watching the videos you’ll find under Recent Posts.

    Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 5 Comments »