Future of TV News..and one man banding

An agent in the television news business who does not want to be recognizes has said that in the very near future every television station in the United States will have at least one man band. This is a trend he says that you will not be able to get away from. Look what is happening at Scripps Howard stations. All Scripps stations from Detroit to Phoenix are having reporters and photographers one man band.

A Legend passes. TV News will no longer be like it was

Walter Cronkite, the CBS anchorman known as both "Uncle Walter" for his easygoing, measured delivery and "the most trusted man in America" for his rectitude and gravitas, has died. Cronkite was 92 years old.

One Man Band in DC and MTV...WOW great video

I found this on youtube. There was a one man band out of WUSA in Washington D.C trying to do a story on the real world cast. The one man band reporter was trying to shoot the story with a very small camera when she was confronted by the MTV photog and crew. Note the size of the camera she is working with...The cam doesn't even look like a p2.

LINK--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LiG4Jq_eC0

Wow what a difference

Sorry, I haven't posted in a long time. Ever since this year began more and more places are going to one man band, multimedia journalist or whatever the hell you want to call it...anyway is your place done it? If it hasn't it sure will...

One Man Band..Way Of Life

More and more stations going to one man band. In one market in the southeast I have heard that they are getting rid of most of their photographers and making the reporters one man band. Some reporters say they won't do it. I talk to them and tell them they have no choice.

Will one man bands go away when things get better?

I have been talking about this with people in our newsroom. When the economy turns around will stations and ownership groups ditch the one man band and bring back the photographer/reporter team? I would have to say no. Once comapnies realize they can save money they will continue to have one man bands.. What do you think...Comment below??

Small Cameras

Is your television station plan on purchasing small p2 cameras? If they are and you are a reporter you better get ready to shoot.

All New reporters one man bands?

Sources tell me that many companies will be replacing reporters who leave their stations with one man band positions. You can call it whatever you want, a multimedia journalist, a backpack journalist but it's the same darn thing --- ONE MAN BAND. Details to come.....

Is this a one man band job posting or what?

I saw this posting from a Gannett station in Grand Rapids, MI. Take a read at this job posting and let me know what you think:

REQUIREMENTS: We are transforming our newsroom and need a Media Coordinator to help us distribute our news product on multiple platforms. The Media Coordinator is responsible for editing and writing stories for use on-air and online. The coordinator will work closely with broadcast and web- content producers to ensure our material is delivered efficiently. We are a non-linear newsroom. Knowledge of ENG / SNG technology is a plus. This is a position where you will hone all the skills needed to be successful in the newsroom of the future, including material management, writing, editing, shooting and working with advanced digital technology on various platforms.

Live shots and one man band

We know a lot of places are going to one man band but how many stations are expecting or are going to be having their people one man band live shots. I am hearing from people at several one man band stations across the country that there are enginers or some photographers on staff who do live shots. Apparently the liability of having a one man band live shot is a little too much. I remember doing a one man band live shot and it did not end up well. When you are in a hurry during a breaking news situation sometimes you can't think about all the safety measures you should be taking. Any comment?

One man band help

Ok, so we have to one man band. Let's talk about how to do it. If your company has bought smaller cameras you will better be able to do your job but it won't be easy.
Leave comments on how to better one man band.

One Man Band in Atlanta

Some people have been saying that certain markets can't or won't go to one man band. Well take a look at this job post from WXIA TV:

Atlanta's Gannett owned NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV, and My Network TV, WATL-TV is looking for a great journalist who believes in aggressively searching for the truth...going after tough stories and getting action and solutions. If you are a journalist whose writing is memorable and can do more than live shots ---we are interested in hearing from you. This journalist will be required to write, shoot and edit most of his/her own stories for on air and online.
Three to five years television reporting experience preferred. Must have strong organizational,
communication, and writing skills. The ability to tell a complicated story simply and clearly on-air is essential, both in taped and live presentations. A strong understanding of reporting for various media outlets, including broadcast television and on-line is needed. College degree, preferably in journalism or communications, or equivalent work experience
is required. Must be able to work a variety of different schedules to accommodate changing needs of the Information Center.
WATL/WXIA-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status. We solicit your assistance on this opening and future possible openings... If you are a serious journalist who wants to do great journalism we encourage you to send link or DVD to ecrooke@wxia.gannett.com or mail to Ellen Crooke Vice President of News WXIA/ MYATL One Monroe Place Atlanta Georgia 30324.

One Man Band

Working as a television reporter for the past 16 years I have come to the realization that times are changing and we might as well change with them. If owners and stations really want to have one man bands then that is what is going to happen. I am going to start this blog basically to help people one man band or for one man bands to vent. There are lots of websites about people complaining but instead of complaining we might as well get with it and do what it takes to keep our job.