I wouldn't call it "dead" exactly. I think it might just depend on what job you're performing and in which medium.

I can see how a radio producer and his or her on-air talent might be able to make it work quite easily. (Although when I was producing talk shows in the 80s, I liked being able to see the talent through the glass, making sure he got the message, being able to look him in the eye and knowing we were not only pretty much in the same room but on the same page.) 

I think a lot has to do with the specific task. In a TV newsroom, the guy or gal at the Assignment Desk has the job of keeping up with everything going on in the city, whether it be police, ambulance, fire or a near riot outside a local BBQ joint. When something major happens, they can be tied up for a while, coordinating cameras, calling authorities to check on the story, meeting with the producer, talking to the reporters, etc.

Sometimes word doesn't always immediately filter down to the troops that something big is going on. 

Let's say there's a fire at the Eaton Centre, a cop gets shot or there's an explosion downtown and you're in charge of putting up articles on the web that day. Given the nature of the Internet, viewers expect a breaking news alert and for the story to be up almost as soon as they hear about it. But if you're not in the station proper, it may be a while before you find out about what's going on. Whereas if you're in the newsroom, you can be instantly alerted by the activity or a shout out from the assignment person, instead of waiting for a text, an email, a phone call or some other kind of communication.

That's when being there matters. Radio by its very nature can be done remotely if needed, as we've seen these past few months. TV is a different animal, and while things like live intros and extros or even the weather can be done from far away, there's nothing like being where the action is - or at least first gets known about. 

I still prefer being there, regardless. It just makes me feel more in control and aware of what's happening with my colleagues. And in my mind, that generally makes for a better outcome. But if it works for you, more power to you. In the current circumstances, there really isn't any other choice. 

I really appreciate all these perspectives. As noted, I think it's easier in radio than in TV, where so much depends on the visual, including sets and equipment. (How, for example, could you do chyrons or keys if you weren't in the building where that machine is located? Can a technical director switch cameras from home? I can't imagine how that would be possible.) So I can see why radio folks might have a much better time with this than their TV counterparts. 

I'd be curious if someone who works in television also finds home base better. 

Everyone has needed to adapt during this bizarre time and overall, I think both mediums acquitted themselves very well. We now see, for example, that satellite or microwave trucks aren't as vital as once thought, when interviews can be done over Skype, Zoom or the web with fairly decent quality.

Which leads to the question: once things return to normal, how much chance do you think you'll have to remain working from home vs. having to go back to your studios? Is this the new normal?

grilled.cheese wrote:

I think my employer will continue working from home.  It wont be 100% though.  I imagine its probably going to be 50 / 50 office and home.  I know in the building there I work. my employer is always trying to squeeze more bodies into a space beyond it's capacity, so from what I understand, they will be using hotel stations a lot more often now and basically will be removing personalized cubicles.  You show up, find a space, do your work for the day or half day, and go work from home for a few more days

Who does the security or covers the insurance for stolen equipment? 
The office has a security guard (etc) 
What does the home have? 
 

i usually teach a public speaking course, staring the first week in Jan., to university students (over a 6 week period). due to the lock-down, the start of the course has been delayed (as i figure out the modifications, i'll need to make, to effectively teach some. or all, of this course remotely (from my home). it's a major pain but it might open up the possibility of me teaching this course to people in other parts of the world (many of my students come from all over the globe). note to self: being optimistic doesn't make it easier.

meanwhile, in my opinion, recording radio shows, audio spots, etc. from home, certainly has its benefits. i've had an off-site studio set-up for almost 20 years and (for me) the benefits outweigh the challenges.
 

Last edited by the original hank (January 4, 2021 4:12 pm)

Id be more worried about my record collection in the event of a break in (depending on the theif's taste) than the work computer.

grilled.cheese wrote:

Home has myself and a rabbit.

Does the rabbit get coffee breaks?  How about WCB coverage and a benefits plan?