Breaking News or Bust

Yesterday was a pretty crazy day in the newsroom.  All day I thought we had some really great news in the show.  I loved the package about the Yogurtland lawsuit and the risks of vaccinations, pertaining to the H1N1 vaccine due out in a few weeks.

Late in the day, we got word that a student’s throat had been slashed in a UCLA academic hall.  The newsroom erupted.  We sent a writer/shooter/editor to UCLA immediately.  We also tried to contact any one we knew at UCLA to get a better handle on what students were thinking and feeling.  It was clear everything was going to be chaotic until the show was off the air.

Throughout all the craziness, I learned how important it is that people feel appreciated.  I think it applies in many areas of life so I knew this before, but it was highly evident when we had so much riding on this one huge story.  Throughout the day, I really try to get to know people, keep everything light, fun and friendly and still get the show on the air.  When breaking news happens, everyone in the newsroom I had dealt with that day responded very well and was willing to help even though I may not have been my usual cheerful self.  A couple W/S/E’s even stayed late to help us out because they knew things were hectic.  It’s such a collaborative effort to get this show on the air and I now know just how far a smile can go towards making that happen.