In the 15 years I have been working at WKYC, Thursday had to be the one day where more breaking stories happened at once than I had ever seen. On September 11th, 2001, for example, we all focused on one big event. But, what happened on Thursday can quickly become a news staff's worst nightmare.
Earlier in the day, we had the confirmation the Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal and a new day was beginning in Cleveland. This was a huge story in itself. Besides Lebron, Shaq is the biggest player to come to the Cavs in recent years.Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora unloaded both barrels on his Republican critics, denying any wrongdoing and getting a lot off his chest.
We heard the bad news Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer.
Severe weather was breaking out across northeast Ohio. The first round of storms brought several thunderstorms warnings. The second round looked even more threatening as it headed across the lake and began to intensify just in time for the start of the 6 pm newscast.
Then we heard the shocking news that Michael Jackson was being rushed to the hospital. We wondered if this was just another chapter in the entertainer's saga or if something bigger was at hand.
Soon, we found out as online and news sources began to confirm the worst: Michael Jackson was dead at age 50.
Five big stories...the last two were late breaking...what do you lead with?
That was the question our news team and other stations in the city had to face. Which was more important? On any other day, they all could lead the newscast.
But since local stations usually give precedence to a local story lead first, it was logical that we would acknowledge the Shaq deal, then get right to weather. Storms were potentially the most life threatening to our viewers. We were still waiting for official confirmation of Jackson's death.
That was the decision.
Following weather, it was to the Michael Jackson story, the full Shaq deal, and Dimora. Farah Fawcett would wind up further down the rundown.
These types of decisions are what the producers and news management face every day. They are decisions that must be made almost instinctively.
However, Thursday was an exceptional day. How would you have handled the day? I think our team played it just right.
2 comments:
Frank - it's a very interesting scenario. Not very often do you have so many huge stories. I started watching yesterday at the end of the b-block. Based on your post, I like how you guys stacked the show.
Everyone probably knew about the Shaq deal, so a quick mention before weather was appropriate. I think it's a smart decision to have a weather hit in the beginning of the A because people want to know what's happening in a storm situation. It also gives you a chance to tease weather, in hopes that people will stay around to see the full report later in the show.
Why not put the Farrah Fawcett story after Michael Jackson? It seems they go together pretty well.
I like going to Shaq after the big celebrity news. Even though Shaq is more "local" in terms of geography, I feel as if MJ and Farrah are also local stories because their Hollywood life styles had an impact on people all over the US - including local people in our area. Also, I think local news is what local people are talking about. And local people were definitely talking about those two icons.
Did you have the Dimora story at the end of the A or beginning of B? Not knowing where you put it, I would have had it at the beginning of the B block. It's a good story to tease at the end of A and because this has been a hot topic, I think people would stick around to the B block to see what is new with it. Also, depending on what elements you had for that story (VO, VOSOT, PKG...) it could be a strong story for the B-block lead.
As a recent J-school grad (Kent), it's interesting to me how different outlets are covering all these major stories. Looking forward to the 11 o’clock tonight. I think Chris Tye has done a GREAT job. I’ve really enjoyed watching him anchor this week.
-Kyle
Thanks Kyle for your feedback. Yes, it was an interesting situation on Thursday.
Frank
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