Paying Attention To The Details
As a news organization, it is most important that whatever we produce or write is 100% accurate. If something isn't, it can damage our credibility completely. So paying attention to detail, whether you are a producer or an assignment desk editor, is extremely important.
Over the past few months being a producer at ATVN, I have learned the need to continually check for news facts or details for each story. As the day goes on, stories change and more details are added to each story. In order to maintain the reputation as a credible news source, ATVN must always keep our work up-to-date and accurate.
As a producer, I try to always keep my eyes on a few key websites: city news service, CNN news source, CNN.com and Twitter. It is important to always be caught up on the newest information in the news and these websites have helped me stay on top of the news while I am producing each week.
As we have learned, the focus and direction of a story can quickly change with the release of new information. That is why it is crucial that ATVN members are on their toes and making sure they are paying attention to details.
Some of the ways I have learned to stay on top of the details of a story are:
1. Constantly check news website and outlets.
2. Look over your work from time to time to make sure it is up-to-date.
3. Read over your writing to make sure that it contains accurate information.
4. Read over your writing to make sure it doesn't show a bias.
5. Update your story with the newest information, before you forget about it.
I have found that #5 is particularly important during a long day at ATVN. Most of the time, I can keep track of the things I have to do and have promised others I would do, but from time to time I forget about a task. When it comes to the accuracy of a story, you cannot forget anything.
Once a new detail or information has been discovered, added or released, it is important to either make a note to add it to the story or do it right then. Forgetting the most recent information in a story is unacceptable. Whether you are writing a story or have been asked to copy edit it, it is your responsibility to ensure that ATVN is producing accurate, up-to-date information.
I hope in the weeks ahead, Team Monday and myself can continue to have a good eye for details and updates for each story. I believe that if we continue to focus on quality control and work to improve our efforts, our newscasts will only benefit.
