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Monday, July 14, 2014

Behind the Scenes: ABC7 News Station Tour

 By: Marisa Hagan

       Most people watch the news and think of it as people reading off reports from a teleprompter, but it’s so much more. Last Tuesday, my Earthscope reporters and I had the opportunity to watch a live ABC7 news cast with anchor Cheryl Jennings. I learned that it takes an entire team in front of the camera and behind the scenes to make the newscast happen. We may all be aware that the broadcasters are essential in producing the news, but the people who have the hardest job in my opinion are the control room workers. On our tour we got a chance to explore the control room and gaze in awe at how many different buttons and screens there were that had to be attended to simultaneously have a show go off without a hitch. It was amazing to look at, but I can’t even imagine trying to operate it. Our mentor on the tour, anchor Cheryl Jennings, told us that after they write a story,it takes hours to put the show together with the visuals in the control room and then there’s usually breaking news which also has to be quickly added in. It is often backround work like this that goes unnoticed by the viewing public.
       During the live newscast that the Earthscope team was able to observe on the soundstage, it was intriguing to me to see and understand how it all came together. On the soundstage, the stage manager would make sure the cameras were working and in place, while also making sure to provide the newscasters directions. The broadcasters had to stay concentrated constantly to read their scripts and receive directions. If you’re reading from your hard copy to the teleprompter you have to be aware of looking up. The meteorologist also has to constantly be aware of where she’s pointing at on the greenscreen and where she's reading from. Everyone must stay focused especially since it’s live television and is being watched by thousands.

        To conclude, it was a very interesting and informative experience. The best advice I got from Cheryl was to stand out during first impressions. She advised us on how to execute a proper handshake and to say our names with confidence. I know this skill will serve us well in the future. Next time I watch the news, I will definitely appreciate it more and never forget meeting the wonderfully kind crew at ABC7 News.

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