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Multimedia Minutes: Overcoming a Big Challenge — No Action
July 24th, 2011
How do you overcome the challenge of virtually no action in a story? Say just a guy in a chair. Here’s one approach.
Learn more to create engaging storytelling. Click on the links to the right under “Recent Posts.”
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »
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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.
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 »
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Multimedia Minutes: MMJ Station Manager
October 21st, 2010
Meet the first Multimedia Station Manager in the country, at least as far as we can tell. Mary Beth Farrell, station manager of Reno’s KRNV, uses her Flipcam when she spots the right opportunities. What made you think of shooting Flipcam video?
The President of our company, Ralph Toddre, suggested we get a couple of extra cameras for just this purpose so I bought flip cams for all of my Department Heads to expand our ability to gather video.
Being a news junkie, I’m always on the lookout for good video, and for something I think our viewers might be interested in seeing. That includes everything from breaking news to Fact Finders, to events coming up this weekend, and everything in between.
Did anybody at the station know you shot the videos?
Yes they always know when I’m sending video… I call right away. Or, they know in advance if I’m shooting a package.
Any reactions by them?
At first, people were surprised that the station manager was shooting stories but they’re getting used to it. I think it sets a good example and sends a strong message about my priorities and the station’s priorities. We work hard for our communities and news doesn’t take the day off.
One reporter/producer/photographer said “If she’ll do stories — and do them on her days off, I think we can all afford to go the extra step”.
When the stories air — like this one related to a major traffic tie-up — we tell viewers that the video was shot by a News 4 employee.
That’s because you can tell it’s not the same HD quality as our regular newsgathering cameras, and that gives us the opportunity to ask viewers to send us their video or photos.
News has always been my passion, and quite honestly, this has given me the chance to go back to my first love: telling stories. There’s something very meaningful about it and it’s fun.
Bob Note: Article appeared here last year, but it’s still timely and relevant.
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 Multimedia Journalism | 18 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Sweeps Planning Tips
October 15th, 2010
Most sweeps reports fall flat. These tips should help you break through.
You may want to use them as a checklist starting with the first point. If you don’t have that one, you really don’t have a powerful sweeps report.
Take advantage of sweeps to show what makes your reporting and photography valuable. Deliver defining moments to your promotion producer to make selling your story easier. The more viewers see your great work, the more eager they’ll be to watch.
Look at Recent Posts on the right for more learning videos, which range from reporting skills to photography skills to enterprising.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 16 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Reporter Resolutions to Ensure Your Success
June 20th, 2010
Here are reporter resolutions to help you succeed based on AR&D’s best practices. I created this several years ago for a workshop, and the feedback was that “These resolutions work!”
Sharpen your storytelling skills. Learn from the videos and articles in Recent Posts to the right. The planet’s largest collection of multimedia journalist on-demand learning videos.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 12 Comments »
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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 »
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Multimedia Minutes: This Franchise Recruits Viewers
May 26th, 2010
One of the most powerful franchises we ever tested is simple in concept: Alert viewers to neighborhood crime trends so they can protect themselves. Many viewers say they’ll leave their favorite station to watch it because personal safety is important to them. Here’s an example of the concept.
Sharpen your skills as a multimedia journalist by watching the videos under Recent Posts — fast becoming the largest on demand 24/7 library of learning videos for MMJs in the world.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 31 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Lena Vargas Won’t Let Officials Off the Hook
May 21st, 2010
Viewers value reporters who probe for answers, not just accepting the first thing they hear. KEPR-TV’s (Tri-Cities, WA) Lena Vargas shows how to be tenacious as viewer advocate. Plus she delivers other elements of strong storytelling.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 10 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: How Do Your Promos Compare?
May 20th, 2010
When you look at these promos, see how clearly the station’s brand of journalism comes alive. Notice how these spots minimize generic or wallpaper video and engage viewers with memorable moments.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Strong Example of Viewer Advocacy
May 19th, 2010
Viewers want to know where their tax money goes, and this example offers you a story idea and a clever way to cover it.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 1 Comment »