Seeing How It’s Done (1)
In the absence of a structured induction, this suggested pattern is intended to provide newcomers with a basic understanding how a reporter fits into a news organisation. As every television station is organised differently, no more than a general guide can be offered, so use your initiative to adapt the programme to suit your own circumstances.
Try to carry out all the stages over a concentrated period of a week, but if this is not possible follow through on successive duty days. The programme assumes the willingness of others to let you observe them at close quarters. It is possible you may be thrown in at the deep end without the opportunity to learn from others, but if you get the chance–take it.
Stage 1: Planning and assignments
Sit with those responsible for sifting through ideas for coverage. Helping to answer the telephone or open the mail will give you a feel for the range of material which comes up for consideration. Judge for yourself what is newsworthy and compare the decisions taken by those doing the job for real. Go to planning meetings which discuss the details of future assignments. See how stories are graded in importance and the extent to which reporters are briefed before they embark on projects. Listen to the communications between reporters in the field and producers/editors back at base. Assess the accuracy, quality, frequency and amount of information on offer. If necessary, determine to improve it when your turn comes.
Stage 2: On the road
Accompany a reporter colleague and camera operator on assignment, preferably one which needs thought and careful planning rather than a straight hard news story requiring little finesse. Stay and observe until the end, no matter how tedious it might become. Make a note of the order in which the reporter tackles the various ingredients and how well or badly he or she treats interviewees, contacts and others involved. If the opportunity arises ask to use the camera yourself: ‘multi-skilling’ is becoming widespread and the sooner you are able to gain an understanding of other roles you may play in future, the better.
Stage 3: Picture editing
Follow ‘your’ story into the edit suite and watch the picture editor assemble it. Ask if you can carry out a simple ‘hands-on’ exercise. If possible spend time with more than one editor: get an idea of their routines and contrast their styles. Is one a quicker worker than others? What shots are they inclined to discard? Are they led by the strength of the pictures or sound? Do they slavishly follow instructions or do they use their imagination? At what point, if any, does editorial supervision take place?
Stage 2: On the road
Stage 3: Picture editing
Watching brief (1)
If necessary give up your spare time to watch what happens at each stage. It will provide a valuable insight into the editorial process and help you develop your own approach to working relationships. Changes in technology and working practices may mean you have to operate the camera or edit your own pictures, so seek practical, ‘hands-on’ experience if the opportunity arises.