Monthly Archives: January 2021

There’s a lot of uncertainty about the days ahead. Poynter has pulled together a list of resources for journalists to review:

• Last June, Poynter’s Al Tompkins pulled together a list of guidelines to help journalists stay safe while covering protests. The list remains relevant today. Read all 23 guidelines for journalists to stay safe covering protests here. 
• Replays are available from Joie Chen’s “Stay Safe and Sharp While Covering Protests” session — a quick 30-minute watch. 
• Angela Fu’s story on reporters covering the Capitol attack lists a number of helpful resources.
• And the Carter Center offers tips for mental health care for journalists. 

Stay safe!

Have you ever wondered if a photojournalist could do his/her job with only a smart phone?

One journalist gave it a try. Here’s what happened.

RTDNA Executive Director Dan Shelley released the following statement after violence erupted at the U.S. Capitol this week:

In the wake of unprecedented events this week, the Radio Television Digital News Association would like to recognize the work of hundreds of responsible journalists who have served the public and the republic by getting people the facts and information they need to make informed decisions and participate in democracy.
 
On January 6 as a violent insurgency disrupted the democratic process of Congressional certification of the 2020 Electoral College vote, journalists persisted in the face of danger, distrust and threats to their safety. They continued this critical work even as they were harassed, terrorized and assaulted. As their equipment was damaged. Even after a rioter carved the words “Murder the Media” into a door inside the U.S. Capitol.
 
As we move toward inauguration and every other day, journalists will courageously serve the public by being steadfast in seeking and reporting the truth and shining a light on these critical, historic events.
 
To journalists directly, I want you to know your work matters and your role in our democracy is vital. Your safety and well-being matter, too. Take care of yourselves and each other. Stay safe. We’ve got your backs. So don’t back down.

Large police presence.

Raise your hand if you’ve uttered those words once or twice. I cannot think of a story harder to tell than the one where you have no information.

I’ll set the scene: Newsroom phone rings. It’s a tipster that says 12 squads are at such and such location. Guess what? You’re going, and you’re going live too.

So instead of saying ‘Take a look behind me’, “As you can see behind me”, “Now behind me” three times in 30 seconds, I’ll share how you can add a little beef to your no-info breaking news live reports.

Call dispatch. Ask them what police are responding to. And what time that call came in. Remember this is what was phoned in to dispatch and may not be the actual event, so you need to present it that way. Example: I’ve seen ‘shots fired’ turn out to be fireworks.

What do you see? Is DCI there? The bomb squad? Are they setting up a makeshift helipad?  Officers from other jurisdictions? Or are you too far away to tell? Then say that—“They won’t let us get any closer, but as we arrived we did see ….”

Is it freezing out? Sometimes the Red Cross will provide a warm spot and water for firefighters and officers if they plan to be at the scene for a while.

Give us a traffic update. Is a road closed off? Is a detour in place?

Is a school nearby? Are they on lockdown as a precaution?

The viewer will understand that the event has just happened or is still happening. It’s your job to explain how they are impacted at this very moment.

Heather Poltrock
WSAW-TV, Wausau

“When do you go in?”

If you’ve ever worked a morning show shift you’ve likely been asked that question with a look of disgust from inquiring minds.

Kassandra Sepeda has anchored Sunrise 7 in Wausau for nearly four years and previously worked a morning shift at her former station in Mankato, Minnesota. Working when most people are still sleeping to get up for their 9-5 requires a structured routine.

“Mine went like this: About an hour before bed I shut the blinds and dim the lights. I would make some tea, and then try to stop using my phone about 15 minutes before bed,” she explained noting the importance of a good night’s sleep.

And of course, attitude is a big factor in making the lifestyle work for you.

“Embrace all the perks of the shift! We get daylight (especially in the winter) no lines at the grocery store, no need to take off for appointments etc.” she said.

Plus, working a morning shift can sometimes offer more opportunities for learning and creativity as the AM shift typically has a smaller staff. But even that giant pro might be offset by the thought that you’ll have no social life.

Sepeda says not true. She suggests meeting friends for coffee or lunch to stay in touch and look to make connections with people that work the same schedule. And if an event occurs during your normal bedtime, she said go for it, but don’t make it a routine.

Heather Poltrock
WSAW-TV, Wausau

Competition for the 2020 WBA Awards for Excellence is underway with the deadline coming up WEDNESDAY! Stations can submit award entries through BetterBNC. All entries must be submitted by Jan. 6, 2021 at 6 p.m. CT.

Take note of the new deadline time, which is now at 6 p.m. Please also note that if you received an awards brochure in the mail, you should instead reference this brochure available online.

For more on this and the other changes in this year’s program, check out this article from the WBA Awards Committee.

You can find more details on the WBA’s Awards for Excellence page and all the categories and submission instructions are available in this year’s awards brochure.

Need to set up an account for your station? Email Kyle Geissler at kgeissler@wi-broadcasters.org.

Good luck!