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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: 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: 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 »
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Multimedia Minutes: Another Strong “Reality Check” Example
June 7th, 2010
Separating fact from fiction — like WCCO does with Reality Check — is a powerful way to separate yourself from the competition and build your ratings.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 4 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Selling a Visually Weak Story
May 10th, 2010
One of the most frequent complaints from multimedia journalists and promotion producers is “How do you engage viewers when your visuals are dull?” The solution comes in the planning and the role the reporter plays, as you see in this example.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 2 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Finding Humor in a Story
May 9th, 2010
Find humor in a story, add a creative touch, and you created engaging storytelling. Despite limited video, see what this reporter did:
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | 6 Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Impact Team
May 9th, 2010
Viewers want to know where their taxpayer money– including stimulus funds – is going. They also want to be sure there’s no fraud, no waste. This promo shows the commitment of one TV station to deliver on that.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »
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Multimedia Minutes: Bullying Story with Strong Elements
May 6th, 2010
Many multimedia journalists have covered stories about bullying in the schools. This one stands out for reasons you’ll see.
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »
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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 »
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Multimedia Minutes: Sweeps Story Idea
April 28th, 2010
Just about everyone who drives is affected by this issue: Where the roughest roads are, potholes and all. Some roads have reputations for being tough on cars, but just compiling this list provides helpful information for viewers. And you can’t find an “official” list, invite your viewers to submit their suggestions. Here’s how WRAL-TV/Raleigh, NC visualized the information (no audio) on its Web site as I clicked through.
A story like this opens the door to asking the people in charge: “When are you going to do something about this?”
Posted in broadcast journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Power Tools for TV Journalists, TV news training | No Comments »