Live shots enhance any broadcast

Live shots add a little something extra to broadcasts.  Unfortunately team Thursday hasn't had an opportunity to do a live shot because we don't have a streambox operator.  That being said, I have had experience with live shots in the past working in the studio.  I find that live shots for weather are always an easy option for a show.  They can be done on campus and the technical difficulty is low.  I think it's cool when it's raining outside and the weather anchor is standing in the rain.  The same can be said for a beautiful day.  Broadcast is a visual medium and live shots really lend themselves to it.  It's also great when a reporter does a live shot from a special event that is going on during the broadcast.  It keeps the newscast fresh and up to-date.  Live shots also make good intros into packages.  It updates the story which may have been a preview of an event or a continuation of something already happening.  In terms of elements of live shots, I like when the reporter really emerses his or herself in the shot.  He or she should have something in their hand relevant to the story or should be with an important person.  There should be a real reason for the live shot other than the location.  I hate seeing live shots outside of schools or city halls during night time broadcasts when nothing is going on simply because the location is important to the story.  Reporters on location should really grab the audience's attention and draw them into the content.  Because live shots aren't an exact science, problems do occur.  That's why it is critical to have a back-up plan and script.  Whenever you are attempting a live shot, prep the studio for the worst but hope for the best because they really do enhance the show.