What's happened to the live shot?
There was a time when this basic TV news function was simple and carried out with very little drama.
Now it's become a Rorschach test.
We're fortunate in the SF market that a few reliable reporters can still perform this necessary task without sounding and looking like a complete and utter fool.Rita Williams at KTVU comes to mind. I also like steady Lloyd LaCuesta. Don Knapp over at PIX is terrific. He's not splashy and doesn't provide excitement. And that's just it--I don't need a reporter all amped up --just the basics: what's the latest info, how many are being held hostage, who's in charge, etc. The notebook is vital.
There's nothing wrong with the viewers seeing the notebook in the picture. Some reporters try to conceal notebooks, as if the notepad is going to cause mass angst. Truth is, these days, even the most average reporter at a live shot couldn't ad-lib their way out of a paper bag. So, do us all a favor and look at your notes--we won't prosecute you for getting the right info.
Thanks, and now back to the studio.
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