1 of 1- Radio Bob
- Member
Offline
No Sir, I don't like it, I tells ya
The local/regional TV newscast where I live is CTV Northern Ontario out of Sudbury. Let me know if you see this happening anywhere.
I know the reporters are all video journalists and do all their own shooting and editing. When some of them do a standup, it's with a cellphone flat in one hand. It obviously has the script on it, and the reporter sometimes looks down at it.
I don't like it. It's distracting to the viewer, and makes the reporter look off camera, even for a second or two.
I've been a VJ. I know that for the length of a standup, it's relatively easy to memorize it or at least wing it, even if it requires four or five takes.
Do you see this elsewhere? What are your thoughts?
- RadioActive
- Moderator
Online! 
Re: No Sir, I don't like it, I tells ya
I have noticed this a lot more lately and yes, it's a bit distracting but it doesn't bother me as much as it seems to bug you. I think most reporters use it as a crutch, and I know that sometimes when that red light goes on, the script can fly right out of your head. I've seen it happen to some of the reporters I've worked with. It's squirm-worthy on air.
The phone is a lifeline and they should have it handy just in case. But you're right - they've become way too dependent on it.
- mic'em
- Member
Offline
Re: No Sir, I don't like it, I tells ya
To me, it's a sign of not strictly following a script, and trying to adlib perhaps. As the reporter becomes more experienced , they will likely rely less on stand bys . I would think also, It can't be easy to operate the equipment and do on camera at the same time.
- turkeytop
- Member
Offline
Re: No Sir, I don't like it, I tells ya
The ones I hate are where the reporter is holding the camera and recording his/her image in the side mirror of the car. (CTV London)
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- RadioActive
- Moderator
Online!
Re: No Sir, I don't like it, I tells ya
turkeytop wrote:
The ones I hate are where the reporter is holding the camera and recording his/her image in the side mirror of the car. (CTV London)
On a totally unrelated matter, how did you make out with Hurricane Ian?