Behind the Scenes of the ABC7 Newsroom

Behind the Scenes on ABC7 News:

By: Emilie Baxter

Every day we learn so much from the vast amount of media that inhabits our lives. On every platform, information comes to us immediately and we are barraged with who, what, when, where, why, and how. But what does it take to accurately bring that information to people at lightning speed. That is what I learn every time I step into the ABC7 newsroom.

There are many pieces to this puzzle. Every person plays a role from concept to execution. They come together like a symphony, making sure every fact is checked and every detail is addressed. It's a process that happens a hundred times a day in the newsroom, and it's like second nature to every single person working there.

The drive to be first in any news organization is strong, but there is an equally important job to be right. As each day begins in the newsroom, everyone's mission is the same; bring viewers the latest information as quickly and accurately as possible, which is not always an easy task.

So where does the process begin? Each morning an editorial meeting kicks off the day of news gathering. That's when the writers, producers, assignment editors, and news director meet to discuss the latest stories happening in the Bay Area and beyond. It's incredible to hear the thought that goes into every story and the resources it takes to tell it accurately. Only then, can a reporter go out to uncover the details of the story he or she has been assigned to for the day,

Communication is key in an operation such as this. Throughout the day various reporters, writers, and producers are working in locations throughout the Bay Area covering their stories. But the lines of communication are continually open to talk to producers and directors at the station. The updates on stories are constant, including a second large editorial meeting in the afternoon to plan for the afternoon and evening newscasts. Even prior to this, the ABC7 team has produced early morning and midday newscasts, so there is a continuous effort to bring information to viewers throughout the day.

I can’t help but notice when I am in the ABC7 newsroom, the role social media plays in news gathering. It creates an even more instant relationship with viewers, and serves as a further communication tool for reporters and producers. But what I also learned from the ABC7 news team was the importance to ”vet” that information. In other words, they don’t just rely on a tweet or post that comes across social media pages. Each one goes through a fact-checking process before it goes on the air, to make sure what they are reporting is accurate. This is incredibly important because many people first hear of breaking news via social media.

Probably the most exciting part of a newscast is when it all comes together in the control room and studio. While the anchors are in the studio working with a stage manager, the director works in the control room with a computer system that automates cameras, graphics, audio, and video. Meanwhile, a team of reporters is live at various locations around the Bay Area and a team of producers works in the newsroom constantly updating and advancing the stories. It all comes together through the director who is communicating with each and every person through a headset and calling the shots. A producer sits next to the director managing the stories and making sure the newscast sticks to its allotted time. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative and exciting process that is truly remarkable to witness.

I love following news stories and being up to date on what’s happening in our world. After spending time with the ABC7 news team, I have an even greater appreciation for the work they do and their diligence to be accurate. In this world where there is information coming at us from all angles, it seems like an even more daunting task.