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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
Producers

Ready Or Not, We Are Live

If the timing works, do it live! That should be the motto for all producers when they are considering what to put in their newscast and potential live shots.

A live shot can add a certain dynamic element to an otherwise informational and important story. It makes it personal.

Instead of just hearing about and seeing a little bit about how a British pub is celebrating and remembering Margaret Thatcher, wouldn't it interest you more to see a reporter alongside these people?

There's a certain excitement that a person feels when they know something is happening right as they watch it.

Shows like the Oscar's and the Golden Globes interest people because of their content but also because of that big "LIVE" stamp on the bottom of the screen. It makes viewers feel like they have a connection with whatever they are watching.

When choosing whether or not to do a live shot, ATVN has a few criteria and situations to consider.

1. Location, this is absolutely key. Without a compelling location, a live shot will be boring and unimportant. It won't add anything to the story.

2. Timeliness. Why would a viewer want to see a cleaning crew clean up McCarthy Quad after a rally? If an event isn't occurring around or during the time of your newscast, it isn't worth doing a live shot. You only want to do a live shot if it adds to your newscast, but a boring time at an event or location will not add to your show.

3. Check the connection. It is very important to have a clear connection with a reporter for a live shot. Without it, it simply will not happen. Nothing looks more sloppy than an anchor tossing to a non-existent on-site reporter. It is important to check and double check the connection!

4. Staying on top of your reporters! If a show starts at 6 p.m., you cannot be sending out a live shot reporter at 5:45 p.m. If we expect our reporter to prepare and look professional for a live shot, we must give them plenty of time to prepare for their appearance in the newscast. It is the producer's responsibility. You have to make sure you have given the reporter time to set up and check for their connection!

While Team Monday hasn't had an opportunity to do a live shot, there are many situations in which it would benefit our show.

Crossing our fingers we are allowed the opportunity to feature a live shot this semester! If not, we can always refer to that ATVN helicopter to give us a compelling image...if only.

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