Focusing On Details
The most challenging thing about producing is that you must look over everything in the newscast. Every word in the rundown is written by the producer, and one should know about what videos or sounds are used in the newscast.
Therefore, managing time to look over most of the videos and interviews is crucial. I try to communicate with MJs and reporters as much as I can, but I forget the importance of these talks after 3 or 4 p.m. as the newsroom gets hectic.
Paying attention to detail is especially important when working with MJs. When I was working for ATVN last year, I had some basic questions in terms of using the wire or CNN footage. But whenever I ran into trouble, (leaving out important facts, misleading the viewers, etc.) it was a great help when producers sat down with me and went over my writing. That 10-15 minute meeting improved my writing, and hopefully it made for a better newscast. I hope ATVNers consider the newsroom as a classroom where we can learn every day.
Being focused is another great way to control the quality of your work. My goal for the upcoming week is to pay attention until 6:30 p.m. and try to look over everything in the rundown/iNews. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and long sentences are things that (although they should be prevented in the first place) I can correct before I head to the newsroom if I pay a bit more attention to detail.
