Get Ready, Get Set, Breaking!
Breaking news is the most exhilarating feeling as a journalist. When a breaking news story happens, the newsroom becomes increasingly loud and hectic; producers are running around trying to communicate and then decide how to incorporate the story.
Breaking news information develops rapidly and credible sources are even more critical to understanding the truth of the story. Accuracy is key during breaking news stories. Producers must ensure the information distributed to viewers is credible.
Team Tuesday encountered this issue during our recent newscast. It was about 6:15pm when we received notification that former NBA player Lamar Odom was found unconscious. The main issue upon receiving this news was that it was reported from TMZ, a fairly controversial celebrity news website. The newscast was moving quickly and all of the producers had to decide where in the newscast and IF we were going to include the story.
Producers refreshed their phones, waiting to see if other credible sources posted information about the incident. Moments later, various reliable sources posted the breaking news and producers then concluded that this story was important to include in our newscast; the news was all over Twitter. We decided to share this news after our sports cast.
We also covered the press conference with Athletic Director, Pat Haden, that took place on campus. MJs were sent out to capture sound and b-roll of the event. During the conference, producers were active on Twitter, updating followers onwhat Haden and the interim coach Clay Helton were saying to the media. We made sure to update followers on what was happening.
Coach Steve Sarkisian's termination remained a big story on Tuesday. Our team did a great job of finding different angles of this story. We reached out to legal experts to include possible ramifications USC could face.
For breaking news that happens earlier in the day, producers must understand the importance of social media. Twitter gives journalists an unprecedented ability to deliver news to their followers as developments unfold. Popular hashtags often occur during the coverage of events, enabling journalists and viewers to receive updates on what's happening.
Throughout the chaos, producers must communicate. This can get difficult during a breaking news story. In the end, we are all working toward producing a successful newscast that gives viewers accurate information and facts.
Breaking news makes my heart race and palms sweat, especially when it happens during the newscast. I even burn a few calories running around the newsroom, trying to decide the next steps. Breaking news is always a surprise to the newsroom but I learned that you must be as prepared as possible for things to take an unexpected turn. However, the 'unknown' of what's going to happen throughout the day makes my job as a producer so enjoyable.
