The Rundown
1985 - 2008
Table of Contents
Here is a listing of the lead articles from 1985 to 2008. You can text-search to find
specific subjects that you are interested in. Each year's pages are numbered
consecutively, and this document can be used to easily find articles in your hard copies.
Some articles are available here online in our password-protected archives.
Television News 2008
Table of Contents
1. Maximize Your New Media Efforts, Window Of Opportunity Is Closing
2008 - 1
The consultants at Frank N. Magid Associates said this was the year to perfect the
execution of your digital and new media strategies.
2. 2008: Restructure Systems To Deliver Continuous News
2008 - 9
AR&D consultants suggested that newsrooms must be reorganized and excel at providing
continuously updated news online and consistently deliver content on all platforms.
3. Build a 360 Social Strategy For Your Four Screens
2008 - 17
The Broadcast Image Group urged news managers to bring their customers into the
conversation. The newscast should be re-cast with a new relationship with the viewer.
4. Investigations: Laws Ignored
2008 - 25
Laws passed to protect the public or to redress a situation are either being ignored or
are having unintended consequences. These included laws ranging from guns to the homeless.
5. Lead Testing Events Help
Viewers Avoid Hazards
2008 - 33
Viewers had a chance to have potentially hazardous items checked in a project produced at
WDIV-TV, Detroit.
6. On-Board Video Reveals
Shocking Behavior By Bus Drivers
2008 - 41
In San Francisco, KGO-TV viewers had a rare behind-the-scenes look at the city's 25 worst
bus drivers as they injured, insulted and threatened passengers.
7. Financial Fitness Boot Camp:
Coping with Economic Uncertainty
2008 - 49
A major project combining financial information and advice was produced by WCNC-TV,
Charlotte.
8. Working Hard --- Or Hardly
Working?
2008 - 57
Public employees missing work, taking advantage of the system. Teacher absenteeism was the
story at WFLA-TV, Tampa. Officials doing little for big salaries was the story at KMGH-TV,
Denver.
9. When Help Doesn't Arrive In
Time: Resuscitation Rates, Ambulance Shortage
2008 - 65
WJW-TV revealed that the chance of surviving cardiac arrest in greater Cleveland depends
on where the attack happens. WCPO-TV investigated why Cincinnati doesn't have enough
ambulances, and why city officials have known about this for years and done nothing.
10. Lead Discovered In Dental
Devices Made In China
2008 - 73
WBNS-TV, Columbus revealed that some dental crowns ordered by dentists in the U.S. are
actually made in China --- and some of these crowns contain lead!
11. Broken School Buses Kept
Rolling
2008 - 81
Sixty percent of the vehicles that WTHR-TV investigators checked had serious safety
issues.
12. Human Services Departments
Fail to Protect Children
2008 - 89
Children are starved, beaten, abused and murdered by their adult caregivers --- sometimes
when authorities have already been called in.
13. Our Crumbling
Infrastructure: America Falling Apart
2008 - 97
Bridges are cracking. Highways are eroding. There are so many planes at airports at peak
times that near-collisions are not rare.
14 & 15. When the System
Doesn't Work The Way It Should
2008 - 105
Government is failing to protect citizens in many areas. These range from lax or corrupt
inspectors to judges and parole investigators letting violent offenders slide.
16. Investigative Units Win Top
Honors
2008 - 119
Peabody Awards went to stations where managers committed to expanded projects and
investigative reporters persisted in the face of official opposition.
17. & 18. Special Report:
RTNDA Regional Website Award Winning Strategies
2008 - 127
Winners shared their insights with us. Each offered important perspectives on varied web
elements.
19. Use Topical Investigations
To Increase Sampling
2008 - 141
Consultant Tom Dolan suggested concentrating on developing more information and angles on
the key stories of the day, and promoting that difference is a way to win.
20. Students Drink Contaminated
Water In Los Angeles Schools
2008 - 149
The surprising source of lead --- drinking fountains --- was revealed by KNBC-TV.
21. & 22. Police
Departments Under Pressure: Training, Salaries and Shortages
2008 - 157
Spending restrictions result in not enough officers on the street. Criminals win.
23. Strengthen Your Politics
Online: Website Gives Stations Depth
2008 - 167
The NextGenPolitics website was developed initially by Hertz Research, in conjunction with
the executives at KGO-TV, San Francisco.
24. Expanding at 10 p.m. ---
Testing Viewer Interest
2008 - 177
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, expanded the 10 p.m. weekday newscasts to an hour, and saw audience
growth.
25. Tornadoes Drive Record Web
Traffic For Live Blogging, Viewers' Photos
2008 - 185
Live weather blogging was so popular that response far surpassed the initial expectations
at WIBW-TV, Topeka.
26. Failing Our Veterans ---
Systems Aren't Working
2008 - 193
Many battles remain for veterans after they've left the war zone and returned home.
27. Officials' Gas Guzzling
Cars, Dirty Pools and Dog Bites
2008 - 201
Summer investigations included dog bite zones, dangerous swimming pools and a mayor in a
gas guzzler.
28. Economic Projects Offer
Viewers New Strategies, More Resources
2008 - 209
Here is how news teams at two stations --- WSOC-TV, Charlotte and KGW-TV, Portland ---
ramped up and branded their reporting on economic and pocketbook issues.
29. Warning System Calls People
Before Hurricanes, Tornadoes
2008 - 215
Automated alerts notify viewers a danger is arriving and it's time to seek shelter.
30. Help The Hungry: Project
Feed Our Valley
2008 - 223
A multi-faceted campaign to tackle hunger was a success for WFMJ-TV and the community of
Youngstown.
31. Foreign Food Fears:
Misleading Labels, Little Oversight
2008 - 231
Viewers wary of the unending list of contaminated products from China were shocked to
learn their food could be at risk, too.
32. & 33. Help Your Viewers
Live Longer And Healthier Lives
2008 - 239
11 successful health and community projects were summarized.
34. Investigations: Common
Dangers Exposed
2008 - 251
Gas pipes rupture. Arsenic in tables. Soccer cages tip.
35. Underground Cables
Vulnerable, Manhole Covers Left Unlocked
2008 - 259
Seven years after 9/11, few New York City manhole covers have been secured. Investigators
at WABC-TV exposed a security weakness.
36. Investigations: Taxpayers'
Money
2008 - 267
Prisons throw away medicine. Original lottery promises blurred.
37. Auto Safety Investigations:
Faulty Tire Valves, Air Bags Fail
2008 - 275
Faulty tire valve stems and air bags that didn't deploy.
38. Covering Hurricane Ike: On
Air, Online, On Cells, On PDAs
2008 - 283
Managers at KHOU-TV, Houston, explained how their website was fully integrated into their
coverage plan.
39. Anger On Main Street
2008 - 291
Research by Crawford Johnson & Northcott showed unprecedented levels of "viewer
angst." Economic pressures were a prime driver.
40. Does Your Bus System Really
Need A Fare Hike?
2008 - 299
Higher fares were proposed, but some questionable spending practices were exposed.
41. & 42. Threats To Health
And Safety
2008 - 307
Helicopter blades break apart. Off-campus housing dangers. Flame retardant chemicals
endanger health. Overloaded fraud unit. Female escapees on the run.
43. Presenting Personal
Financial Advice, Differentiate Your Coverage
2008 - 319
In San Diego, KNSD-TV produced newscasts dedicated to the issue with expanded reports and
experts answering questions from worried viewers. An economic coverage team was created at
WFOR-TV, Miami. Varied reporters focussed on the crisis longterm. A financial group
cooperated with them, offering perspective.
44. Investigative Reporters Can
Bring Added Depth to Economic Stories
2008 - 327
These journalists often get the best tips, and they have the expertise to put together
complicated stories that will appeal to a broad audience.
45. Independent Station Wins
Election Night
2008 - 335
Post-Newsweek's WJXT-TV has a tradition of success in Jacksonville. But, it no longer has
a network affiliation. During the peak hours of election coverage, the station won the
market's Nielsen household ratings.
46. Reporter Live Online All
Day: The Ultimate Interactivity
2008 - 343
Viewers pick the stories and use e-mail, Instant Messaging or Twitter to stay in touch
with the Choose Your News reporter at KATV-TV, Little Rock.
47. False Promises Enable
Costly, Dangerous Practices
2008 - 351
From laser surgeries to chiropractic claims to fat-melting shots --- the treatments were
not what was promised and the costs were very, very high.
48. School Safety
Investigations: Hidden Threats Revealed
2008 - 359
Violence is under-reported. Lead in school drinking water. Cheerleading risks.
49. Surprising Safety Risks
2008 - 367
No ambulances at a major airport. 911 database errors stymie responders.
Wrong prescriptions occur when pharmacists are pressured, overloaded.
50. Investigations: Excessive Spending, Government Waste
2008 - 375
$20,000 office renovations. Trips to Hawaii. City worker pension problems. $120,000 of
excess steel sold for scrap at $19,000. Overflowing sewers to be replaced. Taxpayers have
many bills to pay.
Television News 2007
Table of Contents
1. A Watershed Year: Develop
Digital Strategies Now
2007 - 1
Magid consultants urged executives to use the strength of their on air service to promote
and establish other products.
2. The Year To Embrace Media
2.0
2007 - 9
AR&D experts said managers must be creating new and diverse businesses online, and
stop trying to recreate their stations on their websites.
3. Manage The Transition To New
Media
2007 - 17
Broadcast Image's Larry Rickel maintained executives must preserve their primary business
while establishing their brand as top-of-mind across all platforms.
4. A New Format For a New Time:
Producing News For Prime Access
2007 - 25
Two stations that launched 7 p.m. newscasts are pleased with the response to their new
formats. WBTV-TV, Charlotte, and WCSC-TV, Charleston, are producing fast-paced newscasts
designed for commuters who haven't already seen earlier broadcasts.
5. Viewers E- Mail Videos Of
Ice And Snow
2007 - 33
When winter whacked Oklahoma, the audience participated in the coverage. Pictures and
videos came in from across the region, including areas the news crews couldn't reach.
6 & 7. Hidden Camera
Investigations: Five Powerful Topics
2007 - 41
These projects put people to the test. Those tested ranged from neighbors to service
technicians whose services had gaps.
8. Crime Investigations
2007 - 53
Violent parolees. Gun hot zones. Drug thefts. Crime and punishment --- or lack of
punishment --- made for several important stories.
9. Sweeps Investigations: Cell
Phones To Ransoms
2007 - 61
Several projects were very successful.
10. Viewers Invited To Predict
Future, Interact Online With The Station
2007 - 69
In San Francisco, KGO-TV offered its audience a sophisticated method of providing feedback
on subjects in the public arena.
11. Americans At War: Strong
Stories At Home
2007 - 77 While the combat in Iraq and Afghanistan dominated the headlines, there were
important issues to be explored here stateside.
12. Monetize The Internet:
Create Niche Websites
2007 - 85
602 Communications CEO Graeme Newell advised executives to design sites with potential
advertisers in mind to reach specific targets with the specific information they need and
want.
13. Dangers Exposed: From Truck
Drivers To Landslides
2007 - 93
High on meth, driving, and killing. Dangerous walks to school. Mapping shows sex offenders
near schools. Homes built on ancient landslides.
14. Revealed: Food Hazards
Before Reaching Restaurant Kitchens
2007 - 101
KNBC-TV exposed unhealthy food handling at a major produce market that supplied many Los
Angeles restaurants.
15. Hidden Dangers: What You
Don't Know Can Hurt You
2007 - 109
Leaky tanks. Unsafe water. High fat foods. Germs.
16. Women Say Taunts,
Discrimination Drove Them From Texas Air Guard
2007 - 117
Outrageous treatment was exposed by KHOU-TV, Houston
17. Virginia Tech Shootings:
Develop Breaking News Plan For Online
2007 - 125
Students and other members of the campus community sent pictures and video.
18. Interactive Newsroom
Invites Viewers To Participate In Norfolk
2007 - 133
A hot topic of the day at WVEC-TV, Norfolk draws comments by e-mail, a telephone hotline,
soundbites, and the station's MySpace page.
19. The Price Of Power: The
Story Behind The High Rates
2007 - 141
In Fort Worth, KXAS-TV searched for reasons and explored solutions to bring relief to
consumers.
20. Transit Troubles: Planes,
Trains, Buses
2007 - 149
Bus drivers insult riders. Subway workers risk lives. Airport roulette.
Incompetent screeners.
21. Social Service Agencies Not
Doing Their Jobs
2007 - 157
Foster parents angry at deception. Collecting disability can be a challenge.
22 & 23. Sweeps Wrap
2007 - 165
Big pensions. Government mistakes. Electricity problems. Hand sanitizers. Much more.
24. Dangers Ignored: Many Buildings Don't Meet Basic Safety Standards
2007 - 179
In Houston, KHOU-TV revealed a long list of buildings that hadn't passed - -- including
163 public schools.
25. Undercover and Exposing
OxyContin Enablers, Beating Drug Testing
2007 - 187
It's not hard to get prescription painkillers in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market --- if
you go to the right doctors. Investigators for WFTS-TV went undercover at two so-called
pain clinics. Effective drug testing can be a deterrent to drug use, but some tests ca be
beaten. A drug testing product was checked by investigators at KCTV.
26. Summer Investigations
2007 - 195
Drivers versus bicyclists. Speeders were caught and then released even though they were
illegals. Two volunteers agreed to buy only what they needed, not what they wanted in
order to save money.
27. Worthless Degrees?
For-Profit Colleges Probed
2007 - 203
The ads promised a fast-track, career-focused education that would lead to a good job and
a better life. KSDK-TV's I-Team found students who felt they'd been cheated.
28. Hire The Right Team For
Your New Media Positions
2007 - 211
The new media requires new skills and attitudes. For advice on how to approach these
staffing decisions, we turned to veteran television executive Tom Dolan, President of
Dolan Media Management.
29. Employers Are Driving Illegal Immigration
2007 -219
A WSMV-TV producer went undercover to apply for work at many different companies. No
proper documents? No problem.
30. Summer Dangers: Carnival Rides, Septic Tanks, Ill Passengers
2007 - 227
With children out of school and families taking vacations, there are dangers they should
be alert for.
31. Security Threats: Propane
Tanks and Mapping Programs
2007 - 235
Lax or nonexistent security measures for propane tanks were exposed by WLS-TV, Chicago.
The potential misuse of online satellite images was explained by WABC-TV, New York.
Clearly shown are the roads, the buildings, distances between locations, and you can even
get directions to a specific address.
32. Stay Focused On Your Core
Product
2007 - 243
Delivering viewer-centered information is the focus of an updated book by consultant Larry
Rickel and longtime anchor Ed Sardella.
33. Going Green: Branding As
The Environmental Station
2007 - 251
People taking positive and practical actions that are environmentally useful are featured
weekly in a franchise on WRC-TV.
34. TV News Must Translate Its
Value to the Web --- Now!
2007 - 259
Crawford Johnson & Northcott shared survey results that showed the latest on how web
users get their news, information and weather --- and why.
35. Deadly Delay: Ionization
Smoke Detectors May Not Sound the Alarm in Time
2007 - 267
Reports by WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, have sparked an investigation by the state fire marshal
into the deadly problem.
36. FBI Spied On Coretta Scott
King
2007 - 275
A national story was broken by KHOU-TV, Houston. Investigators were persistent with an
FOIA request, and a year and a half later brought the story to air.
37. Re-allocate Resources To
Expand Your Service Online
2007 - 283 The online service has been expanded at WPRI-TV, Providence, and new positions
have been created specifically for the web --- one is a Web Video Journalist.
38. Prevent
Sudden Deaths Of Student Athletes
2007 - 291
The heart health of 800 players was screened in a project by WXYZ-TV, Detroit.
39. Tackling Childhood Obesity:
Serving the Community On Air, Online
2007 - 299
In Syracuse, WSYR-TV launched a project aimed at reducing childhood obesity. It was the
latest effort in their mission to be the community source of information on air and
online.
40. Anniversary Special Uses
Rare Interviews, SWAT Team Tapes
2007 - 305
One year earlier, a deranged, armed drifter entered a Colorado high school. He took seven
students hostage. A special on the emergency was produced by KMGH-TV, Denver, and featured
interviews with people who had never talked about it publicly.
41. Changing The Culture: A
24-Hour Web Channel
2007 - 313
Web sales more than doubled in the past year at WIBW-TV, Topeka.
42. New TV Websites Target Moms
and Neighbors
2007 - 321
Websites with their own domain names are using the on air power of the stations to draw
people to the services.
43. Internet Was Vital To Serving The Community In Wildfire Coverage
2007 - 329
San Diego news directors explained how they covered one of the worst fire outbreaks in
recent years in their area, and how they used their web presence to strengthen their
coverage.
44. Lead Toy Tests: Differing Results, Sound Advice
2007 - 337
News investigators put the lead threat in perspective and provided useful information for
parents. Toys were tested.
45. Help People Save Their Homes: The Mortgage Mess
2007 - 345
The high number of foreclosures affects everyone. Some people maintain that it threatens
to send the economy into a recession.
46. How Safe Are Our Youngsters
At School?
2007 - 353
Three strong investigations. Predators near school bus stops. Porn on computers. Nasty
fights.
47. Investigations: Undercover Video Shows The Truth
2007 - 361
Drunks overload medics, fill ERs. Dirty hotel glasses aren't replaced. Helping illegals.
48. & 49. Law and Disorder: Criminal Justice Breakdowns
2007 - 369
Stations looked at problems with the justice system that allow law breakers to escape
punishment or sidestep the provisions put in place to protect society. Anger management
"classes" were a sham. Community service was avoided for a price. When court
clerks are slow reporting convictions to the state, drunks keep driving. Felons are armed
and hunting. Illegal immigrant IDs facilitate criminal activity. A sex offender in the
Guard.
50. Cheating And Lying: Scams,
Cons And Misdeeds
2007 - 383
Donations to the Salvation Army boldly ripped off. Mold removers exposed. Short-changed at
the pump. Problem officers hired in smaller departments.
Television News 2006
Table of Contents
1. Identify and Deliver The
Content Your Viewers Want
2006 - 1
Advice and analysis from Magid. Content is king. Filter out material that is irrelevant to
your news consumers in all shows and on all delivery platforms.
2. Local TV Has Credibility
Crisis, Content Must Be Fair, Right And Relevant
2006 - 9
Advice and analysis from AR&D. Local news --- as often presented --- has lost its
perceived value with some potential viewers. Strat egies should include appealing to
viewers' highest unmet needs and expectations, and being great storytellers.
3. Memorable Isn't Good Enough,
You Must Be Remarkable
2006 - 17
Advice from The Broadcast Image Group. Listen to your customers' changing expectations.
Exceed them every day. You must introduce something fresh to your viewers on a regular
basis.
4. Public Safety Workers Face
On The Job Hazards
2006 - 25
Many people who keep the public safe have been injured or sickened because of workplace
accidents or exposure to harmful substances.
5. Dirty City Campaign: Come
Clean, San Diego
2006 - 33
The trail of trash has been left by slobs. A diverse campaign ranging from on air
investigations to educational presentations was created by KGTV-TV, San Diego.
6. Transition From Old Media To
the Broadband Era
2006 - 41
A major change in newsroom operations and culture is mandatory. S mithGeiger consultants
had advice on moving your people and products into the new era.
7. Prisoners: Escaping and Not
Pursued, Inmates Housed at Secret Locations
2006 - 49
Two investigations showed how important it is keep track of how corrections officials are
--- or are not --- doing their jobs.
8. & 9. TV News
Investigations: Who's Watching Out For Us?
2006 - 57
Expanded projects exposed a variety of ripoffs, safety issues, and government agencies
that were simply not putting the public's interests first.
10. Youngsters At Risk: Dangers
of Web Postings, Teen Nights at Clubs
2006 - 69
Help parents try to protect teenagers from their own poor decisions.
11. Intelligence Report Breaks
News Every Day
2006 - 77
WLS-TV, Chicago, showcases investigative stories on a daily basis. Many news executives
have been working to get their investigative units on air more frequently.
12. Tax Dodgers, Illegal
Gambling, Medical Identity Theft, Abusers With Guns
2006 - 85
Here are investigations that --- with some variation --- could yield important results in
many markets.
13. Into Child Porn? No
Problem, Have A Nice Day
2006 - 93
Most men who are arrested in Wisconsin for Internet sex crimes do not go to prison. Three
years of cases were analyzed by WITI-TV, Milwaukee.
14. Airport Restaurants: What's
on the Plate?
2006 - 101
For your airport meal: Spoiled food and big rats. There was a lot to reveal when
restaurants were visited by investigators from WAGA-TV, Atlanta.
15. Despite Shortage of Prime
Candidates, You Can Still Find Quality Hires
2006 - 109
Advice from Tom Dolan, President and CEO of Dolan Media Management, who has placed
hundreds of news managers.
16. Duke Rape Scandal:
Aggressive, Yet Measured Reporting
2006 - 117
Allegations of rape and the subsequent stories led to days of protest, tensions and
lawyers maneuvering for any possible advantage.
17. It's Hard To File A
Complaint Against Police In South Florida
2006 - 125
Only 3 of 38 departments had complaint forms available when undercover checks were run by
investigators at WFOR-TV, Miami.
18. Anti-Terrorism Funds Buying
Questionable Items
2006 - 133
Some Florida fire departments took the money, but spent it on things that have little to
do with fighting terrorism. Homeland security grants to fire departments were investigated
by staffers at WESH-TV, Orlando.
19. Don't Count On A Siren To
Warn You Of A Tornado
2006 - 141
Serious problems with tornado warning sirens were revealed by investigators at WTHR-TV,
Indianapolis.
20. Teachers With Records Are
In The Classroom
2006 - 149
The backgrounds of more than 50,000 school employees were checked by news investigators at
WOAI-TV, San Antonio.
21. Safety: Hidden Weapons, Sex
Offenders, Library Porn, Young Drivers
2006 - 157
May sweeps investigations gave viewers unique perspectives on dangers they might not have
been aware of.
22. Help May Not Arrive In
Time: Enhanced 911 and Fire Response Lapses
2006 - 165
Investigators at two Ohio stations looked at problems in the emergency response systems
that could delay first responders from reaching the scene quickly.
23. Protect Your Weather
Franchise: Expand Online, Tune Up Your Promos
2006 - 173
Marketing and promotion consultant Graeme Newell believes stations often miss the mark
with their weather promotion, teases and online content.
24. Airport Security Breaches:
Stolen Credentials, Marshals At Risk
2006 - 181
ID badges and uniform items belonging to Transportation Security Administration employees
have vanished. The No Fly list is flawed. Air marshals say they are placed at risk by
official procedures.
25. & 26. The Legacy Of
Katrina: Plan For The Very Worst
2006 - 189
News executives who directed coverage during the big 2005 hurricane offered their advice
as another storm season approached. Prepare for the worst, they said.
27. DUI Investigations Reveal A
Stubborn, Dangerous Problem
2006 - 201
Two major projects examined where the system is breaking down in Cleveland.
28. Investigations: Gun Rights,
FEMA Checks, Dirty Rags, Good Pictures
2006 - 209
Several locally originated investigations connected with viewers.
29. Toxic Trains: Dangerous
Cargo Moves Everywhere
2006 - 217
Hazardous materials are being shipped by railroad through cities. A terrorist attack on a
single car carrying chlorine could kill as many as 100,000 people.
30. Air Marshals Say System
Must Be Fixed
2006 - 225
Policies and procedures put the marshals and the flying public at risk.
31. Safety Concern For
Travellers: Beware Of Airport Floors
2006 - 233
There is potentially harmful bacteria on the floors where travellers remove their shoes as
they go through airport security. Investigat ors at KGTV-TV, San Diego, took samples, sent
them to a lab, and found an unhealthy situation.
32. When The Big Story Finally
Breaks: Serial Killers Arrested In Phoenix
2006 - 241
Have a plan and execute it. The successful news managers had made provisions for covering
an arrest in the middle of the night. They reacted quickly to get the pictures and to get
the story on air and online.
33. People Can Be Moved From TV
To The Web, And From The Web To TV
2006 - 249
Research and analysis from CJ&N. The Web is not replacing local television news.
However, stations do not own the weather franchise online.
34. An Action Agenda: Six Steps
To Upgrade Your Web Site
2006 - 257
You should be appealing to many people on many levels online --- as opposed to your on air
mass appeal service. A 602 Communication s expert offers specific steps to improve your
Internet presence.
35. JonBenet Ramsey Case
Resurfaces, Intense Competition Continues
2006 - 265
Covering a possible break in a major cold case, news organizations went all out to report
on the arrest of John Mark Karr.
36. Reporter Investigating
Fraud Case Viciously Attacked
2006 - 273
A man and woman freak out against John Mattes of XETV, San Diego.
37. Illegal Immigration Remains
Hot and Unresolved
2006 - 281
Arizona feels the pressure. Donations to the Minutemen are not reaching border volunteers.
Guard monitors. Immigrants targeted by notarios.
38. Internet Broadcasting: 10
Years Of Inventing The Future
2006 - 289
An online success. Founder Reid Johnson explains how they did it.
39. Target Chicago: How Drugs
Drive Destruction
2006 - 297
A major project at WMAQ-TV included a DEA partnership, young addicts on camera, and a
tie-in to a museum exhibit.
40. Interactive Political Web
Site Launched By ABC O&Os
2006 - 305
KGO-TV created a site that included five-minute candidate video statements, campaign
finances, and answers to voter questions.
41. Security and Safety: Viewer
Interest Remains High
2006 - 313
There are many gaps. Military computers vanish at an Army arsenal. An emergency command
post was merely a prop --- again. Elite new FBI units are ready.
42. TV Investigations: Fraud,
Waste, Ripoffs
2006 - 321
"Breast-firming" creams tested. Licensing cars out of state. Usable library
materials thrown away. Katrina benefits for liars. Illegal gambling.
43. High School Project
Attracts Teens and Their Parents
2006 - 329
Armed with video cameras and permission to tell it all, ten seniors explain what really
goes on in a year-long project for WCAU-TV, Philadelphia.
44 & 45. Keeping Your
Family Safe: Schools to Supermarkets to Sex Offenders
2006 - 337
Food safety at school and the market. Perverts in the parks. Releasing an old pedophile.
Brain wasting disease misdiagnosed.
46. Exposing Outrageous Perks:
Workers Take Cuts, Execs Fly High
2006 - 349
Auto industry chiefs are travelling in company jets while jobs are slashed and pay and
benefits are reduced. WXYZ-TV, Detroit.
47. Prisons and Jails Rife With
Sexual Assaults, Lax Supervision
2006 - 357
Incredibly relaxed jail workers were exposed by WJW-TV, Cleveland. Dozens of cases of
sexual misconduct by prison guards were exposed by KMOV-TV, St. Louis.
48. The Criminal Next Door:
Out-Of-State Parolees Move In
2006 - 365
They finish their sentence and move. Supervision is less intense. And they do what they
did before. WTHR-TV, Indianapolis.
49. Some Illegal Immigrants
Break More Than Immigration Laws
2006 - 373
Real estate fraud and identity theft are prime areas where enforcement lags. KMGH-TV,
Denver.
50. A Winning Web Strategy:
Develop Niche Users
2006 - 381
Graeme Newell, President of 602 Communications, is urging his clients to tackle the Web
with specific strategies to refine their online products and develop new ones in 2007.
Television News 2005
Table of Contents
1. Stop The Slow Leak, You Must
Innovate To Survive
Page 2005 - 9
Magid says viewers are willing to watch large amounts of local news --- if they don't
think that you're wasting their time. Differe ntiation is increasingly vital.
2. Create A Different And
Better News Service
Page 2005 - 9
Your news strategy must be designed specifically for the attitudes and forces of your
market today according to the consultants at AR&D.
3. Produce and Promote Content
No One Else Offers
Page 2005 - 17
Advice from The Broadcast Image Group. Producers and reporters must identify the station
specific angle that will drive viewing to your show.
4. Killer Chlorine Gas Leak
Tests Emergency Responders, Media
Page 2005 - 25
News crews respected the danger during the worst U.S. train accident involving hazardous
material in nearly 30 years. Nine people died when a train slammed into rail cars in a
South Carolina milltown, puncturing a tanker of chlorine gas.
5. Criminal Secrets Revealed,
Prisoners Offer Their Advice
Page 2005 - 33
Inmates were identified by the crimes they had committed and debriefed about how they
operated. Viewers were offered suggestions on how to avoid becoming victims in these
reports at WFOR-TV, Miami.
6. Following The Lost Jobs:
Maytag Moves To Mexico
Page 2005 - 41
The impact of a major employer closing was reported by WQAD-TV, Moline.
7. Spending Other People's
Money: Excesses and Perks Abound
Page 2005 - 49
Local officials have been living high on the hog on taxpayer dollars. State pension fund
managers spending tens of thousands of dollars on perks was revealed by KMGH-TV, Denver. A
state trooper detail assigned to the governor --- a group big enough to guard an emperor
--- was exposed by WLS-TV, Chicago. Spare no expense on official vehicles was the
philosophy in the Motor City. Personal excess on the part of the mayor was reported by
WXYZ-TV, Detroit.
8. Tax Dodgers Exposed,
Confronted On Camera
Page 2005 - 57
In Indianapolis, WTHR-TV identified people who weren't paying their fair share of taxes,
and instead were living tax-free. One half billion dollars in unpaid taxes were owed by
more than 11,000 individuals and thousands of businesses.
9 & 10. February Wrap-up:
Sweeps Special Reports
Page 2005 - 65
Violent girl gangs. Unregistered sex offenders. Sex offenders getting off lightly. Broken
fire hydrants. Excessive firefighter overtime. Daycare transportation.
11. Hiring A Mover? Beware
Page 2005 - 79
When you hand over everything you own to strangers, they have tremendous power over you.
Unscrupulous movers were exposed by the investigative team at WTTG-TV, Washington.
12. Taxpayers Support Illegals
and Crime Corners
Page 2005 - 87
Government-backed loans were revealed to be going to help illegal aliens buy homes and to
support businesses that may contribute to crime in urban neighborhoods. These were
produced by KMGH-TV, Denver and KPIX-TV, San Francisco.
13. Get the Most From Your
Research Questionnaire
Page 2005 - 95
You must know as much as you can about your loyal viewers and your potential audience.
Dolan Media Management had advice on fine-tuning your research questionnaires and
maximizing your research dollars.
14. Georgia's Forgotten
Children: Station Focuses On Foster Care
Page 2005 - 103
In Atlanta, WSB-TV created a yearlong campaign to help children lost in the state's foster
care system.
15. Breaking The Big Story 28
Years After The Murder
Page 2005 - 111
In Chicago, WLS-TV investigators revealed the story behind the disappearance of an heiress
three decades earlier.
16. RTNDA Web Winners: Unique
Content Sets Them Apart
Page 2005 - 119
Here are successful strategies from new media managers.
17. RTNDA Best Web Sites Part
Two
Page 2005 -127
Treat it as a important asset. Win breaking news online. Convergence is king. Offer a
personal connection to a story. Station's past highlights available online.
18. Guardrails Improperly
Installed, And Could Fail
Page 2005 - 135
Road crews were caught taking dangerous short cuts that could negate the safety features
of the highway railings.
19. Officers Raiding Meth Labs:
Many Ill From Exposure
Page 2005 - 143
Many former Utah narcotics officers, who raided illegal meth labs a decade or two earlier
are now dead, dying or battling unusual illnesses. The full story was done by KSL-TV, Salt
Lake City.
20. Reporter, Photographer Held
At Gunpoint, Searched By Police While On Story
Page 2005 - 151
Injured by police, WJLA-TV reporter Andrea McCarren needed physical therapy after her
shoulder was wrenched by an out-of-control officer.
21. Sexual Predators In
Apartment Complexes, Nursing Homes, School Zones
Page 2005 - 159
The passage of laws requiring the registration of convicted sex offenders may have given
the public a false sense of security.
22 & 23. Healthcare Woes:
Imposters, Hidden Fees, Greedy Insurers
Page 2005 - 167
Nurse imposters. Unexpected medical bills. Greedy insurers. Universal healthcare.
24. Reporter Attacked On Video
Hassled By Mayor, Bodyguards
Page 2005 -181
The mayor of Detroit and his bodyguards erupted against an investigative reporter from
WXYZ-TV.
25. Crooked Car Dealers, Auto
Theft Hot Spots
Page 2005 -189
Dealers adding costly extras without the buyers' knowledge was revealed by KUSA- TV,
Denver. The patterns of auto thieves were revealed in a database created at KHOU-TV,
Houston.
26. Keep Up With Your Viewers,
Develop A Portfolio Strategy
Page 2005 - 197
Consultants at SmithGeiger discuss plans to distributing content with on air, online,
wireless, mobile, digital and desktop products.
27. Overall Excellence Winners:
How They Do It
Page 2005 - 205
Murrow award winners discussed their techniques and goals.
28. Manure and Mercury: Rural
Environment Deteriorates
Page 2005 - 213
Two potential environmental threats --- and the impact on human health and lifestyles ---
were investigated at WISC-TV, Madison.
29. Broken Promises: Tutors Not
Doing the Job
Page 2005 - 221
The No Child Left Behind Act provides an extra assist to help youngsters reach their full
potential. They are entitled to private tutors. In Milwaukee, WITI-TV revealed many
tutoring sessions are not what they should be.
30. Summer Investigations:
Beaches, Theme Parks, Vendors
Page 2005 - 229
Fecal filth pours into lakes and rivers. Theme park safety: are there thorough
inspections? Ice cream vendors with criminal records.
31. Investigations into
Nursing: Addicts and Felons Hold Licenses
Page 2005 - 237
Some experts have estimated about 10 percent of nurses are dependent on drugs or alcohol.
Because there is a shortage of qualified nurses, some candidates who might otherwise be
out of work --- including criminals have slipped through.
32. Theme Weeks Done Right
Attract Viewers To Their Sets
Page 2005 - 245
In Miami, WFOR-TV had success with producing special reports on week- long themes during
the July book.
33. Reports Highlight Hot Areas
For Tickets, Home Prices, Cancer Rates
Page 2005 - 253
Zipcodes are hyper-local. Here is how several stations looked at interesting topics with
breakdowns for specific locations.
34. Online Polling Provides
Cost-Effective Local Content
Page 2005 - 261
KGO- TV, San Francisco, is a pioneer in online polling and regularly uses it to produce
important and unique hard news.
35. Hurricane Katrina Drives
Online Usage To New Plateaus
Page 2005 - 269
With help from their groups and partners, the station Web sites provided the latest
coverage and emergency information.
36. Picking Up The Pieces:
Reporting Katrina's Aftermath
Page 2005 - 277
Flexibility, innovation and stamina were the keys.
37. Covering Katrina: How They
Lived Through It And Kept Serving Their Public
Page 2005 - 285
An anchor survived by clinging in a tree with her husband. The ceiling collapsed in the
newsroom. A ham radio operator got word that a missing reporter was alive. The staff
members of WLOX-TV, Biloxi, were at Ground Zero.
38. It's Not: What's Working?
It's: What's Working Here?
Page 2005 -295
The key ingredients: local, new, and investigative. Advice from the consultants at
Crawford, Johnson and Northcott.
39. Hurricane Rita Evacuation
Holds Lessons For Other Crises
Page 2005 - 303
In Houston, KHOU-TV was fully prepared when Rita followed Katrina and two million Texans
moved in a sometimes chaotic evacuation.
40. Training Staff Members,
Trying New Things
Page 2005 - 311
"Business as usual" is not going to solve the problem of declining audiences.
41. Integrate New Media Into
The Newsroom
Page 2005 - 319
The push to extend the brand onto many platforms is in full swing in newsrooms.
42. Toledo Riot Coverage: Some
Neighbors React To Neo-Nazis
Page 2005 - 327
News managers tried to avoid promoting the group and its message, but at the same time
were ready for a disturbance.
43 & 44. Producing Special
Content That Is Truly Special
Page 2005 - 335
Investigation subjects ranged from Europeans adopting African American children to
suburban moms addicted to meth.
45. Undercover With Hate
Groups: Exposing A Growing Movement
Page 2005 - 349
A WDIV-TV undercover operation, complete with disguises, revealed the inside activities of
neo-Nazi and Klan organizations.
46. Help Viewers Reduce The
Fire Risk At Home, School
Page 2005 - 357
Off- campus housing dangers were investigated by WBNS-TV, Columbus. Low ignition
cigarettes were examined by WCNC-TV, Charlotte and WTTG-TV, Washington.
47. Beyond The Latest
Stabbings: Project Expands Crime Coverage
Page 2005 - 365
A 30-day project focused on a surge in violent crime in Nashville.
48. Public Servants Exposed
Abusing Taxpayers' Trust
Page 2005 - 373
Several stations did investigations recently into how public servants are discharging
their duties and spending the people's money.
49. Defective, Unsafe Buses
Roll on the Roads
Page 2005 - 381
Passengers and drivers are at risk in Boston. WHDH-TV revealed there are hundreds of
defective buses on the streets of the city.
50. Talent Database Streamlines
The Hiring Process
Page 2005 - 389
Michaels Media, known for local news programming and campaigns, is launching a new venture
to simplify talent searches.
Television News 2004
Table of Contents
1. Stop The Slow Leak, You Must
Innovate To Survive
Page 2004 - 1
Magid says viewers are willing to watch large amounts of local news --- if they don't
think that you're wasting their time. Differe ntiation is increasingly vital. However, it
must be done in ways viewers perceive as more valuable.
2. Raise The Bar, Your Brand Is
Your Promise
Page 2004 - 9
AR&D says execute your brand in every block. Your branding theory must be actionable
by your staffers. Avoid viewer "antici-pointment."
3. Evolve and Execute
Strategies To Meet The Challenge
Page 2004 - 17
Consultant Larry Rickel recommends evolving into producing "NOW" casts, not
"WAS" newscasts. People are bringing a "right now" expectation to
their viewing.
4. Build Systems That Produce
Consistent Newscasts
Page 2004 - 25
Consultant Tom Dolan says you need systems more than ever. Improv e your morning meeting
as a key event that sets the goals of the day. Avoid slogan overkill.
5. Only the Interesting Can
Compete
Page 2004 - 33
The NuFuture.TV consultants say news directors rise and fall on content. Every newscast
must be interesting and perceived as personally beneficial.
6. Promotion Techniques To Win:
Make In-Show Marketing A Priority
Page 2004 - 41
Consultant Graeme Newell offered advice on improving promotion and teases. Make your news
content and teases seamless. Don't give viewers cues to tune out.
7. Amber Alert, Murder Draw
Huge Viewer Interest, Sympathy
Page 2004 - 49
A surveillance tape recorded a girl being kidnapped. Tampa stations provided extensive
coverage. Viewers were shown how to get involved and help law enforcement.
8. Security Hazards: Unguarded
Airports
Page 2004 - 57
Security was almost nonexistent at the small airfields around New York City.
9 & 10. TV News
Investigations: How Safe Are Your Kids?
Page 2004 - 65
Online predators were caught on camera responding to a sting. Even though children have
been warned about dangers, left home alone they will still open the door for strangers.
When a criminal background check is run it's worthless if the database is incomplete and
offenses have not been entered.
11. TV News Investigations:
Health and Safety
Page 2004 - 79
Using popular nasal cold remedies could cost you your sense of smell. The person drawing
your blood may be untrained. The athletic trainer may be unqualified.
12. Your Stories Grows: Yields
Good Leads, Helps Individuals
Page 2004 - 87
The franchise developed at WIXT-TV, Syracuse, produces many valuable tips.
13. TV News Investigations:
Waste and Fraud Abound
Page 2004 - 95
NASA is missing millions. Prisoners are filing frivolous, expensive lawsuits. A university
president is living in a "palace."
14. Growing Weekend News:
Sunday 10 pm News Expanded
Page 2004 - 103
Weekends are seen as a growth opportunity at a Milwaukee station. The managers at WISN-TV
sought ways to maximize their coverage on Saturdays and Sundays.
15. When An Abduction Is
Actually A Hoax
Page 2004 - 111
When police requested help with a missing student case, Madison stations cooperated. When
police revealed an alleged prior attack on the young woman, the story moved to a higher
level. Next, the national satellite trucks arrived.
16. New Voting Technologies May
Have Major Flaws
Page 2004 - 119
An investigation suggested some of the new machines could be tampered with by a hacker or
an insider. Tallies could be altered.
17. Airlines Are Delaying,
Outsourcing Maintenance
Page 2004 - 127
Financially strapped airlines are delaying repairs and outsourcing work to companies that
are not fully supervised. Inside sources spoke with WFOR-TV, Miami.
18. & 19. Teen Driving
Project Draws Very Well At 11
Page 2004 - 135
Teenagers' basic driving problems, including drinking, were detailed by WFSB-TV, Hartford.
Interviews ranged from a young woman who barely survived an accident to an instructor who
helped young people learning to drive.
20. Racial Profiling Data Is
Often Unreliable
Page 2004 - 149
Officers were misjudging or mis-reporting race in San Antonio. Thousands of traffic stop
tickets were reviewed by investigators at WOAI-TV.
21. The Bully Project: Seeking
Solutions
Page 2004 - 157
More than 13,000 students and 600 teachers and counselors participated in surveys
establishing the extent of bullying and official responses. This was second phase of a
major effort by WITI-TV, Milwaukee.
22. Taken For A Ride Options
Boost Car Cost
Page 2004 - 165
Car salesmen were running up the bills of unsuspecting buyers. They were "payment
packing" --- adding options without telling the customer they were being charged for
extras. This practice was detailed by KNBC-TV, Los Angeles.
23. Veterans Benefiting Little
From Donations
Page 2004 - 173
Military veterans actually receive just a small portion of the donors' generous
contributions to two charities in Chicago. With so many service men and women on active
duty, this was particularly sensitive when WLS-TV broke the story.
24. Football Recruiting:
Alcohol, Strippers and Sex
Page 2004 - 181
Some college football programs have been allowing players and wouldbe players to be
involved in controversial alcohol use and sexual activity. Similiar practices were
investigated by KUSA-TV, Denver, and KHOU-TV, Houston.
25. Targeting the Competition's
"Switchables" Pays Off
Page 2004 - 189
Don't expend energy and resources going after the competition's hard core viewers. Advice
from SmithGeiger: Convert viewers who are inclined --- but not committed --- to watch the
competition.
26. The Great Shredder Event
Draws Thousands To Malls
Page 2004 - 197
Viewers could avoid identity theft by taking their documents to be shredded for free in a
project produced by WCAU-TV, Philadelphia.
27. Weapons of Worry: Missed By
Security
Page 2004 - 205
Some weapons are invisible to the scanning equipment. In Miami, WFOR-TV revealed there are
knives and stun guns that are beyond the current controls.
28. News Investigations: Three
Local Outrages
Page 2004 - 213
Here are the specifics of three diverse, but very interesting, expanded projects.
29. Know Your Rights: Consumer
Advocate Explains Basic Rules
Page 2004 - 221
Many people do not know what their rights are in various common situations. At KGTV-TV,
San Diego, consumer reporter Marti Emerald examined these issues.
30. Murrow Awards: Insights
From The Winners
Page 2004 - 229
Several national winners discussed how they produced their award- winning material.
31. Covering the Convention:
Security, Logistics in Boston
Page 2004 - 237
A terrorist incident was always a worry. There might be violent elements among the
protesters. News managers made extensive plans of how their teams would respond to many
different potential challenges.
32. Covering the Candidates and
the Bank Robbers
Page 2004 - 245
Three banks were robbed as the president and Senator Kerry both appeared in Davenport
about the same time. There was a lot going on on a day when newsgathering resources were
overloaded to begin with.
33. Terrorist or Tourist?
Security Fears Hit Home
Page 2004 - 253
A Pakistani citizen was found videotaping banks and other key locations in the South. News
managers directed full coverage, making sure it didn't panic viewers.
34. Winning November Sweeps
Strategy: Be Boldly In Character
Page 2004 - 261
Sweeps is no time to have a sudden personality change that will jar your viewers. This was
advice from Crawford, Johnson and Northcutt.
35. TV Ahead of Weather Service
Predicting Charley's Path
Page 2004 - 269
At the last moment, the hurricane took an unexpected turn and intensified. The experienced
television forecasters had excellent technology and could see areas were threatened that
had not be fully alerted by the weather service.
36. Potential Terrorists Are
Crossing The Border With Mexico
Page 2004 - 277
The flood of illegals was documented by KVOA-TV, Tucson.
37. Check Every Teacher's
Credentials
Page 2004 - 285
The resumes of every educator in greater San Antonio were checked by the investigative
team at WOAI-TV. Some had diploma mill degrees.
38. Hurricanes Bring Big
Audiences With Big Information Expectations
Page 2004 - 293
The coverage was mapped out early. The initial outlines were created far in advance, and
fine-tuned. Providing specific information for the whole viewing area was a prime goal.
39. The Pedometer Challenge:
Walk Off The Weight
Page 2004 - 301
Small steps can make a difference. Anchors at WGN-TV, Chicago wore pedometers and showed
this is an effective strategy.
40. Mount St. Helens, Live From
The Volcano
Page 2004 - 309
The mountain was poised for its largest eruption since 57 people were killed in 1980. News
managers at KGW-TV, Portland, were ready to provide quality pictures at any time that
something happened.
41. Fake Voters Registered ---
And Exposed
Page 2004 - 317
With the presidential campaign close, investigators at KUSA-TV, Denver, and KMOV-TV, St.
Louis, uncovered big problems with many new voter registrations. Phoney entries were
generated by people hired to increase the voter rolls.
42. Police: Man Shot Nine
People ; Station: There's No Evidence
Page 2004 - 325
An investigation by WXYZ-TV, Detroit, contributed to charges being dropped against a man
who apparently was framed.
43. National Controversy Fueled
By Embedded News Crew's Video
Page 2004 - 333
Video shot by an embedded Minnesota television crew might reveal when hundreds of tons of
explosives disappeared from Iraq.
44. November Investigations
Page 2004 - 341
A sexual deviant was caught on tape by WDIV-TV, Detroit. A powerful politician who was
giving out special deputy badges was exposed by WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh. WTAE-TV revealed new
details of a terrorist plot with a Pittsburgh connection.
45. Propane Thefts Discovered
By TV Investigator
Page 2004 - 349
One tank is powerful enough to take down a small building. KMGH-T V discovered that more
than 100 propane gas cylinders have been stolen in Denver.
46. & 47. Investigative
Teams Probe Safety, Health and Security
Page 2004 - 357
Sweeps reports were wide-ranging, covering every thing from crack pipe sales to near
misses and aborted landings.
48. Reality TV Approach Used In
Heart Health Project
Page 2004 - 371
People were recruited at a mall and taken for sophisticated medical testing. Risk factors
were explained and a life saved during the Cardiac Arrest project of WDIV-TV, Detroit.
49. Drunk Driving Outrages: A
Partnership Produces Strength
Page 2004 - 379
There are many more repeat drunk drivers than most people realize. Three Tennessee
stations worked together to profile the worst of the worst and their victims.
50. Bob Ryan's Weather Almanac:
Twenty-Five Extraordinary Years
Page 2004 - 387
In Washington, WRC-TV produces its annual weather reference work for viewers. The
station's chief meteorologist explains how he has done it.
Television News 2003
1. 2003: It's Time For Renewed Creativity In TV News
2003 - 1
Advice from Frank N. Magid Associates. With a war in Iraq and the economy sluggish, your
viewers are concerned and searching for reliable information. Make clear to them that your
station is the place that will deliver what they need.
2. 2003: The Year To Make The Vision Decision
2003 - 9
Advice from AR&D. Managers are urged to not get distracted from choosing the direction
of the station for today and the years to come.
3. 2003: Consistently Deliver
Value to Your Customers
Page 2003 - 17
Advice from Broadcast Image Group. Deliver content and personality that will compel your
customers to make an appointment to watch. Middle managers must anticipate what might go
wrong and fix it before air.
4. 2003: Raise Your Hard News
to a Higher Level
Page 2003 - 25
Advice from NuFuture.TV. In uncertain and dangerous times, viewers are seeking hard news.
Covering hard news does not mean dropping average people from stories. Maximize video and
audio to let viewers experience events and personalities.
5. 2003: Win Your Mornings, Upgrade The Day
Page 2003 - 33
Advice from SmithGeiger. The morning news has become a newscast of record. It is an
important platform for promoting the rest of your news service. Make your traffic
reporting more useful to viewers. Research about broadcast news is indicating a sea change
in audience interests.
6 & 7. Shuttle Coverage:
Shared Resources Provide Many Angles
Page 2003 - 41
Coverage of the loss of the shuttle Columbia stretched across several states.
8. Schoolhouse Outrage: Filthy
Bathrooms
Page 2003 - 53
Investigators at KCBS-TV checked to see how unsanitary school bathrooms were.
9. School Security: Gaps Are
Common
Page 2003 - 61
American schools are potential terrorist targets. News team members at WDIV-TV, Detroit
found many lapses.
10. Air Force Academy Rapes:
How Investigators Broke Story
Page 2003 - 69
It began with an e-mail from a young woman who said she had been sexually assaulted and
was being drummed out of the Air Force.
11. Setting Limits In The
Elizabeth Smart Story
Page 2003 - 77
A high- profile kidnap victim was found alive in Utah after many months.
12. War! Covering the Fight
Page 2003 - 85
Station executives explained how they were preparing to report on the fight with Iraq.
13. Overseas: Embedded Reporters. At Home: Worried Families
Page 2003 - 93
There was coverage from the war zone on land and by sea. At home, stations worked to help
military families.
14. School Scandals Revealed:
Many Different Misdoings
Page 2003 - 101
Your school systems are fertile grounds for investigations. These are issues that touch
many of your viewers as taxpayers or parents, or both.
15. Supporting the Troops and
Their Families
Page 2003 - 109
Here are projects that stations developed to help their local communities.
16. May's Challenge: Bring Back Viewers From Cable
Page 2003 - 117
The defection to cable was significant at the start of the war. The things the viewers can
only get on local news may be the items to get them back.
17. Prepare Your Staff For
Increased Coverage of SARS
Page 2003 - 125
A top CBC executive explained what it had been like to cover the outbreak of this
dangerous disease in Canada.
18. Online Auctions: Let The Buyer Beware
Page 2003 - 133
Online fraud is the number one consumer complaint in Atlanta. Investigators from WAGA-TV
exposed the scams. In Dallas, WFAA-TV revealed a fraud that drew in victims who thought
they were buying land in Texas.
19. Wasted Tax Dollars Exposed:
Travel, Meals and Phone Expenses
Page 2003 - 141
School district superintendents who were running up some big bills were discovered by
WOAI-TV, San Antonio. In Cleveland, WEWS-TV found heads of two nonprofits living the high
life.
20. Operation Breaking News:
WXYZ's Experiment
Page 2003 - 149
Viewers watched the newsgathering process live in Detroit. When crews were dispatched,
portions of the activity aired as they moved out.
21. The Street Zapper Gains
Recognition Overnight
Page 2003 - 157
In Toledo, WTOL-TV managers purchased a radar gun and used it to identify the worst
speedways in neighborhoods.
22. Traffic Hopefuls Compete
For The Best Summer Gig Ever!
Page 2003 - 165
In Philadelphia, WCAU-TV auditioned 1,455 people who wanted to be the station's temporary
traffic reporter.
23. One Successful Duopoly
Strategy: Distinctly Different On Air
Page 2003 - 173
The Fox Minneapolis duopoly keeps two stations distinct. Resource s are shared, but the
talent and tone are different.
24. Covering Monkeypox: Another
Rare Disease Arrives
Page 2003 - 181
While government agencies didn't identify victims, Wisconsin reporters found infected
individuals. News managers stressed a common sense approach to reporting on this mystery
disease.
25 & 26. There Are Many
More Fire Safety Hazards Than Just Nightclubs
Page 2003 - 189
A Rhode Island tragedy stimulated checks at many clubs. However, restaurants, bars, and
even bowling alleys can be dangerous, too.
27. Lessons From War Improve
Fire Coverage
Page 2003 - 201
Arizona's fire season began on the anniversary of the state's largest fire. News managers
explained how they were organizing their coverage.
28. Upgrade Your Teases,
Increase Retention
Page 2003 - 209
Writing effective teases is one of the most important elements in retaining audience, but
too often some are written as an afterthought. Consultant Graeme Newell had advice.
29. Financial Schemes Snare,
Ruin Unsuspecting Victims
Page 2003 - 217
From real estate scams to phony insurance policies, there are many questionable deals that
separate people from their hard-earned money.
30. Covering Kobe Bryant:
Scoops and Sensitivities
Page 2003 - 225
The big challenge was to stay on top of the story, but not get drawn into reporting things
that normally wouldn't make it on the air.
31. Don't Dismiss A Good Tip
Because It's Been Done Before
Page 2003 - 233
An irate tipster e-mailed a complaint to WEWS-TV, Cleveland. The Goodwill donation
drop-off site was being hit by thieves.
32. The Homeless: On The Front
Lines
Page 2003 - 241
Turning mental patients out on the street 30 years ago became the popular thing to do. Now
the police officers on the beat are kept busy with calls about homeless activity.
33. Create A Targeted Web Site
That Makes Money
Page 2003 - 249
Belo Interactive identified the subjects that most interested its audiences, and offered
more of that content at a price. Cowboysplus.com targeted die-hard sports fans.
34. The Great Blackout: Lessons
From the Frontlines
Page 2003 - 257
An estimated 50 million people lost electricity in a massive power crash. Television news
managers and their staffs jury-rigged equipment and devised creative solutions to stay on
the air and serve their communities.
35. News Managers Face Unique
Challenges in Bizarre Bombing
Page 2003 - 265
A deliveryman took two pizzas to a remote spot near a TV transmitter.
He ended up robbing a bank with a bomb around his neck.
36. 911 Investigation:
Desperate Callers Put On Hold
Page 2003 - 273
The emergency response system in Denver is overloaded. KMGH-TV revealed there was a
potential that a person in trouble would die before help was sent.
37. Exposing a Problem,
Promoting Solutions
Page 2003 - 281
A civic beautification project was promoted by WCPO-TV, Cincinnati. The station's I-Team
tackled apathetic city officials who were ignoring a potential upgrade along the
riverfront.
38. It Takes More Than Good
Looks
Page 2003 - 289
A book that explains a "real world" approach to newsgathering was written by
reporter Wayne Freedman, of KGO-TV, San Francisco.
39. & 40. Serving Viewers
During Hurricane Isabel
Page 2003 - 297
Television news staffers worked long hours to provide viewers with the information and
advice they needed to survive.
41. Anchor Trains At Police
Academy, Database Reveals Crime Patterns
Page 2003 - 309
An anchor at WFLA-TV, Tampa trained with officer recruits. Newsroom managers were
searching for an important project to help build recognition for their anchor and their
Crime Tracker franchise.
42. Online Service Matches
Volunteers With Groups
Page 2003 - 317
In Boston, WCVB-TV's CommonWealth 5 has taken community service into cyberspace. Charities
list the goods, services and donations they need. Donors can respond online.
43. Joint TV/Newspaper Probe
Reveals Home Building Outrages
Page 2003 - 325
In Orlando, WESH-TV created a major investigation of home building quality. An independent
inspector was hired to work with engineering students inspecting 400 new homes. Almost 80%
of the homes had significant flaws in them.
44. Hidden Camera Reveals
Jurors Under The Influence
Page 2003 - 333
Jurors were drinking during their lunch hours and returning to the courthouse to decide
the fate of defendants. WDIV-TV, Detroit, broke the story.
45. Children Placed With Sexual
Offenders, Abusers
Page 2003 - 341
Children in foster care in Indiana have been treated outrageously. The scandal was
revealed by WTHR-TV, Indianapolis.
46. Flawed Sex Offender Registry Has Inaccurate, Misleading Data
Page 2003 - 349
Numerous mistakes in sex offender records were discovered by investigators at WLS-TV,
Chicago.
47. Roughed Up At Recess
Page 2003 - 357
Hoodlum children attacked schoolmates. Often teachers and supervisors watched or ignored
it, doing nothing. Investigators for WITI-TV, Milwaukee, got it all on tape.
48. Beating the System: Traffic
Offenders Get Off
Page 2003 - 365
Investigative reporters exposed tickets being routinely dismissed, speeders pleading down
to non-moving violations, and injured drunk drivers escaping DWI charges.
49. Crowd of Candidates
Clamoring for Coverage
Page 2003 - 373
News managers in Iowa keep control as a crowd of Democratic presidential hopefuls seek
voter attention.
50. Highway Shooter Terrorizes
Columbus Area
Page 2003 - 381
Newspeople must not only cover the daily story of the investigation, but must also roll on
anything suspicious.
Television News 2002
1. 2002: Achieving Success In Uncertain Times
Page 2002 - 1
Advice from Frank N. Magid Associates. Stay in touch with shifting viewer interests. The
search for daily relevance intensifies. Don't lose your brand and your vision.
2. 2002: Focus on Branding and Marketing
Page 2002 - 9
Renew and recharge your news service. Lose your brand, lose your viewers. The views of
consultants at AR&D.
3. 2002: Work Smarter Every Day, Every Newscast
Page 2002 - 17
If it's worth doing, do it consistently. Suggestions for broadcasting success from Larry
Rickel of the Broadcast Image Group.
4. 2002: You Must Do More Than Just Hold Current Viewers
Page 2002 - 25
Fix things you can control. Clarify your brand and product. Take a long-term view. Advice
and analysis from Bill Taylor at NuFuture.TV and SmithGeiger consultants.
5. & 6. Winter Olympics: Coverage Challenges Ahead
Page 2002 - 33
Station executives had extensive preparations to provide hometown coverage of the Winter
Games, and be ready for any possible terrorist attack.
7. Baltimore Media Deal: Better Content, Brand Reach
Page 2002 - 47
A TV-print partnership is launched in Maryland. WMAR-TV and the Sun cooperate.
8. Show Your Viewers How To Cut
Their Phone Bills
Page 2002 - 55
Many people are paying too much for their phone service. Personal examples showed that in
some cases it is possible to shrink the costs. WCAU- TV, Philadelphia offered the advice.
9. Winter Investigations: Safety and Health
Page 2002 - 63
Projects examined old fire equipment, millions of dollars of unpaid fines, forced molting
that produces larger eggs, and bad blood.
10. TV Investigation Probes
Kmart Financial Practices
Page 2002 - 71
In Detroit, WXYZ-TV revealed management was flying high with big compensation packages
while workers were being laid off and the company fell into bankruptcy.
11. Upgrade and Differentiate
Your Traffic Coverage
Page 2002 - 79
Traffic headaches in the city and the suburbs score high on your viewers' lists of public
problems. Here are ideas for to making your coverage the best available.
12.-13. Environmental Project
Attracts Cross Section of Viewers
Page 2002 - 87
Reporting on environmental issues may interest anyone from a golfer to a fisherman to a
vacation homeowner to an average viewer. South Florida's extraordinary environment is the
subject of a franchise at WTVJ-TV, Miami.
14. A Life-Saving Campaign:
Drive 4 Life
Page 2002 - 101
A year-long project to reduce the high number of motor vehicle accidents in South Carolina
was launched by WYFF-TV.
15. School Violence Investigations: Serious Incidents Under- Reported
Page 2002 - 109
Violent youths endanger adults and other children. School administrators may try to ignore
the issue or avoid cracking down.
16. It's Your Life: For Teens,
By Teens
Page 2002 - 117
Perhaps they will listen to their peers. This campaign features teenagers talking to
teenagers about the problems that young people face today.
17. Church Cover-Up Exposed in Detroit
Page 2002 - 125
WDIV-TV investigators found offending priests were still in touch with the public. An
undercover camera was used to show that accused priests were still working.
18. School Bus Safety Issues:
Dangerous Buses, Drivers
Page 2002 - 133
Buses in need of major repairs kept rolling. The drivers were running red lights.
19. Public Safety Failures: The
System Isn't Working
Page 2002 - 141
Several stations ran major investigations that revealed outrageous deficiencies in public
safety.
20. Exhausted Workers Threaten
Public Safety
Page 2002 - 149
Many professionals and skilled workers whom we entrust our lives to --- including doctors,
pilots, and train engineers --- are working exhausted and are subject to making mistakes.
21. & 22. Preparing for
More Terrorist Attacks
Page 2002 - 157
When a chemical spill stopped traffic and stimulated evacuations, the response was
potentially similar to that of public safety forces if there was a terrorist attack. By
analyzing their own video and government agency logs, reporters from WGN-TV put together a
look at where the city's emergency staffers could improve.
23. Winning Live Coverage Takes
Planning Commitment
Page 2002 - 171
A military helicopter crashed as it moved against Mt. Hood on a rescue mission to reach
climbers.
24. Worried Community
Mobilizes, Searching For Young Girl
Page 2002 - 179
A 14-year-old girl was apparently abducted from her Salt Lake City home.
A huge search effort followed, with television news playing an important role in engaging
the public's interest and help.
25. San Diego Murder Trial Gets Extensive Coverage
Page 2002 - 187
Station executives had to decide how much of a major murder trial to offer live.
26. Some Violent Criminals Get
A Break Because of Loopholes
Page 2002 - 195
The sex offender registration system is not working in Ohio, according to an investigation
by WEWS-TV, Cleveland.
27. The Challenge of Covering
the Western Forest Fires
Page 2002 - 203
The newsgathering logistics were incredibly difficult. Distances were great and
information was sometimes sketchy.
28. Marathon Coverage of San
Antonio Floods
Page 2002 - 211
As the waters rose, the stations went to expanded coverage that lasted for days.
29. Security Warning: Wireless
Systems Breached
Page 2002 - 219
Some of the newest technology has a major security problem --- and most users don't know
it. Investigative reporters in Atlanta and Denver recently reported on the new threat
called "War Driving."
30. Assisted Living Centers Ripe For TV Investigations
Page 2002 - 227
Minimal staffing levels mean minimal tenant assistance and minimal personal security.
Centers may accept people they aren't fully equipped to take care of. Let the consumer
beware.
31. Extended Coverage As Trapped Miners Are Rescued
Page 2002 - 235
Nine men were trapped for three days 240 feet underground in Western Pennsylvania.
Television news coverage stayed with it until they made it out alive.
32. West Nile Virus Keeps
Spreading
Page 2002 - 243
Louisiana news managers directed reporting that aimed to inform without scaring.
33. Military Murders: Dealing
With Domestic Violence
Page 2002 - 251
As usual with the military involved, there were limits on information and access when
several women were murdered at Fort Bragg.
34. Can Chronic Wasting Disease
Spread From Deer to Humans?
Page 2002 - 259
Definitive answers were few as a brain-wasting disease appeared in the deer population.
Wisconsin news managers approached it with sensitivity.
35. Expand Your Reach: Utilize
Every Platform
Page 2002 - 267
In Columbia, WIS-TV, offered free to teachers a CD of weather instruction prepared by its
chief forecaster.
36. Politics On Air and
Online, Will Viewers Connect Them?
Page 2002 - 275
An experiment to join the broadcast and Web Site resources in one common experience. Also:
"How To Achieve Winning Political Coverage" by Randy Covington.
37. American, Arab Reporters Exchange Visits
Page 2002 - 283
Visiting reporters worked with hometown crews. Sharing made it economically possible.
38. Girl Can Walk Now, Station
Makes It Happen
Page 2002 - 291
Viewers responded in large numbers when WTLV-TV, Jacksonville, created a campaign that
brought a little girl from Grenada to surgeons in Florida.
39. Meth and Youngsters: A
Dangerous Mix
Page 2002 - 299
Scores of children are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic fumes when their home has
a meth lab. When the police raid, the youngsters may be taken from their unfit parents.
40. Two Major Storms Hit Back-to-Back
Page 2002 - 307
Louisiana was hit. Homes were damaged. Thousands of people were flooded out. Many, many
more lost power.
41. Washington-Area Snipers:
News Challenges Are Many
Page 2002 - 315
As the killers continued to strike, the fear was felt everywhere including the newsrooms.
Broadcasters tried to inform the public without stimulating the killers to act further.
42. Captured! Leaked
Information Was Key
Page 2002 - 323
Once law enforcement focused on two suspected snipers, news organizations broadcast the
key descriptions of the men and their car. It wasn't long before they were caught.
43. No Questions Asked: Buy A
Gun Like The Snipers'
Page 2002 - 331
The ease with which the snipers apparently killed and moved from location to location was
shocking. Just about anyone could get their hands on a similar weapon. Here's how a
reporter at WABC-TV, New York, did the story.
44. Child Abduction Ring
Exposed, Two Girls Returned
Page 2002 - 339
In San Francisco, KGO-TV exposed a child abduction ring that was led by a child molester.
The story resulted in the recovery of two girls who had been taken six months earlier in a
custody dispute.
45. News In Motion Unveils New Web Site, Expanded Service
Page 2002 - 347
Animated graphics increase story impact. Graphics will be available on demand online.
46. & 47. Crime Lab: Making
Mistakes ---or Deceptions?
Page 2002 - 355
In Houston, KHOU-TV investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of what appeared to be
errors by the city police department's crime lab technicians.
48. Students Cheated By School
Officials
Page 2002 - 369
In Detroit, WXYZ-TV investigated an enormous waste of the taxpayers' money and
"loss" of equipment in the public schools.
49. Chemical Plants: Easy
Targets, Poorly Guarded
Page 2002 - 377
In Chicago, WLS-TV exposed major weaknesses in the security surrounding plants that could
become weapons of mass destruction if terrorists targeted them.
50. Exposing Online Schemes and
Scams
Page 2002 - 385
The unsuspecting person can be the target of many persons who use the anonymity of the net
to find their victims.
Television News 2001
1. 2001: The Age of Transition
2001 - 1
Advice from Frank N. Magid Associates. You must adapt and expand. Content is the key to
long-term survival. Your brand must be clearly defined and extended to all possible
platforms.
2. 2001: Resist The Bunker Mentality
2001 - 9
Consultants at Audience Research and Development recommend that cuts be made cautiously.
You can't shrink your way to greatness. Report er beats may be more effective and
economical than franchises. Be everywhere your viewers are.
3. 2001: Managing Change, Leading Your Staff
2001 - 17
Advice and analysis from the Broadcast Image Group. Coach your staff, upgrade skills.
Quality, credibility and community are keys. Fight erosion with relevant hometown stories.
4. "Your Stories"
Franchise: Viewers Offer Good Leads
2001 - 25
Viewers are invited to call with stories they'd like to see on WIXT-TV, Syracuse.
5. Captured! Escapees Talk To
TV News
2001 - 33
Seven inmates escaped a Texas prison and killed a policeman during a robbery. When the
last two were cornered, they asked to speak on KKTV, Colorado Springs. And in a second
case, in Tennessee, a news crew was there as escapees were cuffed and loaded.
6. Protected or Pampered? An
Investigation Draws Well
2001 - 41
In Chicago, WLS-TV reveals that 25 city and county officials are being driven around town,
many by trained bodyguards, at taxpayer expense.
7. Personalized Forecasts Via E-Mail
2001 - 49
Weather forecasts more tightly targeted than the regional predictions are delivered by
WKOW-TV, Madison.
8 & 9. Living Online,
Waiting For DSL, Many More Projects
2001 - 57
Expanded projects from the February book.
10. Seattle Earthquake: TV
Newsrooms Were Ready
2001 - 71
It wasn't the Big One, but it was big enough.
11. Murders At School: San
Diego Shootings
2001 - 79
A 15-year-old was charged with two counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.
Classmates said he'd been picked on and bullied.
12. Vaccine Approval Process
Should Be Re- Examined
2001 - 87
An investigation by WFAA-TV, Dallas, raises serious scientific and ethical questions about
the way new vaccines are approved and brought to market.
13. Tops In Television News:
Domestic Violence Special
2001 - 95
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville won a Peabody Award for its multi-faceted project reporting on abuse
of women and children.
14. Cosmos Station Web Sites Exceeding Revenue Goals
2001 - 103
Build sites that are worthy of the user's time. Advertisers were attracted by offering
unique opportunities. Employment classifieds have great potential.
15. Diet and Fitness Ideas
2001 - 111
Here are three projects that worked well. Viewers need a practical, real world approach to
get involved and stay with it.
16. Connect With Your Viewers: Interactive Ideas That Work
2001 - 119
The audience selects part of the news. Viewers e-mail photos for on air use. Increase the
impact of series and special features with opinions and tips. Incorporate e-mailed viewer
questions live into news and specials.
17. Cincinnati Riots: Stations Use Caution
2001 - 127
Crews were cautious about going live. Choose your words carefully. Stations played an
important part in the healing.
18. Developing Award-Winning,
Ratings-Building Photography
2001 - 135
KARE-TV, Minneapolis, is named the NPPA Station of the Year and has the Photographer of
the Year.
19. Good Morning Arkansas, Better Ratings, New Revenues
2001 - 143
The program is a new revenue stream. The station isn't paying for syndication in the time
period, and it controls all the spots.
20. Shooting Inside a Pediatric
ICU
2001 - 151
In Chicago, WGN-TV told the story of children about to lose their lives and the doctors
doing all they could to save the youngsters.
21. Experiment On The Weekend: New Format For 6 P. M. News
2001 - 159
In Lexington, WKYT-TV has replaced the traditional early evening news on Saturdays and
Sundays with a magazine show, most of which is produced during the week.
22. Dangerous Roads: Unsafe Trucks, Unsafe Drivers
2001 - 167
Beware of the trucks, the school buses and the people driving them.
23. Establish Beat Teams: Every
Staffer Contributes
2001 - 175
In Minneapolis, WCCO-TV organizes staffers working across many shifts to cover key beats.
24 & 25. Get The Most From Your Health Beat
2001 - 183
Treat the health beat as news, not as a franchise. Ratings strategy: as many promotable
subjects as possible. All day projects increase impact. One station's emphasis: the very
latest, personal stories, practical tips.
26. Stations Team Up For
Environmental Project
2001 - 197
A summer-long campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of the Long Island
Sound was produced by WVIT-TV, Hartford, and WNBC-TV, New York.
27. News Directors, Talent Very
Careful About Job Changes
2001 - 205
Some managers and talent are not as willing to change markets as they once were.
28. Summertime Threat: Carbon
Monoxide and Boats
2001 - 213
Odorless carbon monoxide can be as dangerous on the water as it is at home.
29. Ask Viewers For Stories, And Cover Them
2001 - 221
Your tipline has great potential. Viewers' leads ranged from underage liquor sales
locations to police playing ball on taxpayer time.
30. Investigations: Government
Waste
2001 - 229
Taxpayers paid for credit card abuses, cell phones and lobbyists working to get government
money for other governments.
31. Year-Round Weather
Specials: Boost Programming Revenue
2001 - 237
The managers at WABC-TV, New York, have found that interest is substantial for seasonal
weather specials.
32. Your Staff May Know More Ways To Cut Spending
2001 - 245
Your budget might look different if everyone in the newsroom spent the company's money as
carefully as they spend their own.
33. Enterprising Education: Parenting, Schools, Taxes Wasted
2001 - 253
Education and parenting have been wrapped together at WPLG-TV, Miami, with two reporters
assigned to the beat.
34. Resources and Revenues: Getting More From Your Staff
2001 - 261
Station executives stretched their staffs by asking people to do more than one job or to
produce another product that could bring in new money.
35. A Barricaded Man Asks to Talk to a Reporter
2001 - 269
Chicago police wanted to end a crisis quickly and turned to a veteran WLS-TV reporter.
36. & 37. Attack on America
2001 - 277
At first it appeared to be a terrible accident. Sadly, it turned out to be much more.
Here's how television covered it in New York, Washington, Boston and Florida.
38. On The Homefront: Stations Prepare
2001 - 291
Following the attacks, hometown news coverage was re-focused.
Newscasts were changed and added. Managers tried to stay in tune with the feelings of
their staffs and their communities.
39. In Times of Terrorism and War: Informing Without Scaring
2001 - 299
Several events in the wake of the September 11 attack raised concerns as to whether there
were additional acts of terrorism underway. There was a case of inhalation anthrax --- the
first case here in a generation --- in Florida. And, a man went on a ramPage on a bus in
Tennessee.
40. Stations, Papers Unite To
Raise Funds for Victims
2001 - 307
In Madison, three television stations led a massive, cooperative effort to mobilize the
community.
41. America Readjusts: Anthrax
Reality
2001 - 315
While there were real anthrax cases in the Florida and the Northeast, most towns saw
scares and hoaxes as a nervous public reacted to the threat.
42. Digital Traffic Network Gives Real Time Data
2001 - 323
It is frustrating for viewers to watch the latest traffic report in the morning, only to
be surprised by a long line of tail lights as they try to make their way into work. A new
information service maintains that it can accurately estimate up- to-the-minute travel
times with a sophisticated monitoring system.
43. & 44. TV Investigations
Focus On Security
2001 - 331
Several stations produced probes into lax protection at airports and other major venues.
45. Airport Investigations:
Gaps in Security Remain
2001 - 345
Despite laws requiring it, many airport workers are not subjected to full background
checks. Easy access to freight and cargo companies continues.
46. Journey Across America
2001 - 353
A reporter and photographer from KGO-TV, San Francisco, boarded the California Zephyr to
see the country in the days after the terrorist attacks.
47. I- Team Crime Investigation
Identifies "Rape Zones"
2001 - 361
By analyzing crime statistics, investigators at KHOU-TV, Houston found there were places
where rapes were more likely to occur. Most of the residents who lived in these areas had
no idea of the additional danger.
48. News 8 Then: Use The Power
Of Nostalgia
2001 - 369
A regular weekly flashback package is running on WROC-TV, Rochester. The station is
utilizing its vast video archive.
49. Focus On Security and
Personal Safety Issues
2001 - 377
In Detroit, WDIV-TV created a Security Team label for its top terrorism- related stories.
In Charlotte, WCNC-TV utilized its personal safety expert to provide solid advice viewers
could act on. In Phoenix, KPNX-TV uses several local experts and gets a range of analysis.
50. Award-Winning
Investigation: Exploding Patrol Cars?
2001 - 385
In Tucson, KOLD-TV, examined why local police patrol cars often explode when hit from
behind, leaving officers trapped inside when the car bursts into flames.
2001 -
Television News 2000
1. Utilize TV's Unique Strengths, Upgrade Your New Media Plan
2000 - 1
Advice from Magid. Grow, survive and flourish. Good may not be good enough. Promote in all
possible arenas. On air and online services should support each other. A TV station's
strength is localism and an emotional connection.
2. Keep Your News Strong, Upgrade Your Web Site
2000 - 9
Advice from AR&D. Excel at breaking news coverage. Don't let the net usurp your
strengths. Reach viewers at work. They should start at your Page. Win with e-commerce.
3. Target The News And Information Seekers
2000 - 17
Consultant Larry Rickel says concentrate on the people who use news.
4. More Internet Access Offered By Allbritton Stations
2000 - 25
Stations offer free access. A person agrees to keep a movable navigation bar on the screen
during the online sessions.
5. Health Alert: The Silent
Epidemic
2000 - 33
One in two women will some day be impacted by osteoporosis. Viewers were warned, given the
facts.
6. Creating A Culture For Award
Winners
2000 - 41
Executives explained how they helped create newsrooms where investigative reporting is
encouraged and valued.
7. Investigations: Work
Release, Sex Offenders, HUD Houses
2000 - 49
Hometown television news investigators continue to serve viewers by exposing dangers and
problems that their governments should be dealing with.
8. Strategies That Are Winning
In The Morning
2000 - 57
Two stations beefed up morning coverage and the tactics seemed to work.
9. Health Investigations Draw
Viewers
2000 - 65
Staying healthy and keeping healthcare costs down are top of the mind for many viewers.
10. Government Workers Using
Net To Access Porn Sites
2000 - 73
In Atlanta, a WAGA-TV investigation reveals government computers are used to access porn
sites, shopping sites, auction sites, sports sites, and even to run private businesses.
11. & 12. Live
Demonstrations: Could They Work For You?
2000 - 81
Some stations have had ratings success creating live events, promoting them heavily, and
returning to them several times during the newscasts.
13. TV Fund-Raiser For Families
of Fallen Officers
2000 - 95
Repeat offenders murdered a veteran policeman, the father of five children.
WBFF-TV, Baltimore, took action to help his family.
14. Secrets of a Winning Book
2000 - 103
How WRC-TV captured the number one position in every news period.
15. Develop Power Producers:
New Book Offers A Plan
2000 - 111
Syracuse professor Dow Smith offers practical advice for managers and producers.
16. Computer Program Drives
Users Back To The TV Set
2000 - 119
A small box remains on the computer monitor during the online session. It provides a
television station's weather alerts, breaking news and promos directly to the user's
screen.
17. Attention Shoppers! Be
Careful
2000 - 127
Several top investigators explained stories they had produced to warn consumers about
dangers and scams they could face while shopping.
18. Covering Elian:
Preparedness Paid Off
2000 - 135
Miami news teams stayed with the story of a 6-year-old Cuban in America day after day,
week after week.
19. Investigations Close To
Home
2000 - 143
People must watch out for themselves. Threatening bacteria in fresh water lakes. Nursing
home nightmares. Child support abuses.
20. Some Dog and Cat Lovers
Ripped Off By Their Vets
2000 - 151
In Los Angeles, KCBS-TV reported that just as there are some bad doctors, there are some
bad veterinarians.
21. Sweeps Projects: Library
Porn, Moldy Homes, Community Pride
2000 - 159
One-fourth of the computers at a Minneapolis library were being used to access online
porn. Undercover on spring break. Dangerous mold growing in homes. Domestic violence.
Judges extorting sexual favors.
22. Breaking News Dilemma: Do
You Interrupt? For How Long?
2000 - 167
A pier collapsed, plunging a waterfront nightclub and its customers into the river. It was
a little after 8 p.m. on a night when viewers were enjoying heavily promoted sweeps prime
time entertainment programming. How do you handle it? It was a challenging decision for
station executives.
23 & 24. Pedestrian Bridge
Collapse: Weekend Disaster Tests Staffs
2000 - 175
The speedway races were winding down and fans were heading for their cars as a major
pedestrian walkway collapsed. It was 11:15 p.m. on a Saturday night.
25. Making the Internet A Sustainable Business
2000 - 189
Tackle the net with research, resources and a plan.
26. Wellness Campaign Promotes
Walking
2000 - 197
News managers at WCVB-TV, Boston, created a fitness project that most people could
participate in. Even the mayor hit the streets regularly and lost weight.
27. Protecting Crews and Gear
From Unruly Crowds
2000 - 205
The assignment didn't appear to be particularly dangerous. Thousa nds of people gathered
outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to watch the final game of the NBA playoffs on
an outdoor screen.
28. Hostages, Media And Law
Enforcement
2000 - 213
A man held and threatened the Archbishop. Police asked that live coverage be stopped, but
made different requests to different news organizations. In another case, a gunman in a
Florida standoff called a station.
29. Protecting Your Exclusive
Video
2000 - 221
One station's helicopter fed back pictures of police apprehending an alleged carjacker and
career criminal. When it appeared elsewhere, managers argued it was now a "fair
use" situation and the video had become a story by itself.
30. School Background Checks,
Curbing Violent Students
2000 - 229
Convicted sex offenders can slip through the school teacher background checks.
A middle school was "out of control."
31. Webcast Covers Protests At
Genetics Conference
2000 - 237
A controversial conference on animal genetics brought protesters and turmoil to
Minneapolis. Managers at WCCO-TV offered extensive coverage on air and online. People
could check channel4000.com for constant updates.
32. Veteran Broadcaster:
Maximize Your Communication
2000 - 245
Bob Sullivan, V.P. of The Broadcast Image Group, suggests newsroom success starts with the
team members fully understanding the plan. If they don't understand it, how can they
execute it successfully?
33. Montana Forest Fires:
Smoke, Heat, Vast Distances
2000 - 253
It was a challenge to cover vast areas when multiple fires were burning at once.
34. TV Investigation Leads To
Massive Tire Recall
2000 - 261
An investigative report by KHOU-TV, Houston, helped stimulate the second largest product
recall in U.S. history.
35. Strippers and Duffers:
X-Rated Golf Outings
2000 - 269
It was surprising and shocking. There was blatant sexual activity on public golf courses.
Investigators at WDIV-TV, Detroit, documented it all.
36. Preparing For Fall: Strengthen Your Operation
2000 - 277
News managers across the country upgraded and adjusted their newsgathering and
presentation systems.
37. Viewers' Bill of Rights:
News Philosophy Connects
2000 - 285
News managers at KGUN-TV, Tucson, believe they have found a way to halt the erosion of
their news audience.
38. Stop The Erosion: Make
Enterprise A Priority
2000 - 293
Managers at WBNS-TV, Columbus, have been striving to improve their content, and it appears
to be working.
39. Missing Millions: School
Equipment Can't Be Found
2000 - 301
Valuable equipment is lost, missing or stolen at three San Antonio school districts. A
KMOL-TV investigation revealed the losses.
40. & 41. Commitment 2000: Issues and Politics
2000 - 309
The pledge: at least five minutes of campaign coverage each night. Hearst-Argyle stations
prepared event coverage, mini-debates, town meetings, issue checks, ad watches and voter
registration announcements.
42. Teacher Poll Reveals Inside
View of Classrooms
2000 - 323
The education reporter at WESH-TV, Orlando, sent surveys to 1,500 teachers. Their
responses provided a valuable view of what it is really going on at local schools.
43. TV Investigation Reveals
Lapses In Navy Security
2000 - 331
On the morning of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole, a reporter from WABC-TV, New York,
was testing security at the Cole's home port of Norfolk.
44. Investigation: Counseling
Agency Fraud Ruins Credit
2000 - 339
Some outfits that call themselves consumer credit counselors actually aren't helping
people solve serious financial problems.
45. Video E-Mail: Soliciting Viewer Input For Air
2000 - 347
In Cincinnati, WXIX-TV is experimenting with broadcast applications for video e-mail.
People are asked to send their on cameras opinions to the station. The technology may be
eventually used for severe weather and breaking news.
46. Keys To Good Health: Clean
Water, Hot Water
2000 - 355
A little known, potentially dangerous, bacteria may be carried in drinking water. Many
restaurants do not have hot water for hand washing.
47. Help Parents Check Day Care
Options
2000 - 363
Florida parents who want to protect their children face a real challenge finding accurate
information about day care alternatives.
48. Meth Madness Project
2000 - 371
A high-profile series and on air town meeting educated viewers and helped law enforcement.
Five suspects were arrested after the special stimulated tips.
49. Falling Through The
Cracks: When The System Isn't Working
2000 - 379
Television news investigators found a football star driving even though his license was
suspended, felons working near school children, and untrained officers probing sex crimes
against children.
50. Trading Places: Improving
Race Relations
2000 - 387
At WIS-TV, Columbia, the news team arranged for two couples --- one white and one black
--- to attend the other's church.
Television News 1999
1. In 1999, Stop The Erosion: Be The Local Information Source
Page 1999 - 1
Advice from Frank N. Magid Associates. Do well things your viewers don't expect you to do
well. Your newscasts must have a sense of discovery. Break stories that no one else has.
Identify content your viewers really want to know about.
2. In 1999, Stop The Erosion: It's All About Content
Page 1999 - 9
Advice from Audience Research and Development. Research the content interests of your
market. Appoint an in-house champion for the viewer. Evaluate spot news stories before you
commit to major coverage.
3. In 1999, Stop The Erosion: Make Local News Necessary Again
Page 1999 - 17
Advice from the Broadcast Image Group. You must have local information that is new and
even surprising. Make sure Promotion knows about story specifics. Make sure your staff
assignments are delivering maximum benefits seven days a week.
4. Establish A System To Generate Enterprise Stories
Page 1999 - 25
A newsroom strategy that's working: Make a commitment to produce unique material every
day. Here's how they're doing it at KPNX-TV, Phoenix.
5. Millennium Project: Interesting Content, New Revenues
Page 1999 - 33
Differentiate your news and generate income. Here are strategies to sustain interesting,
memorable coverage all year long.
6. Practical Techniques To
Motivate Your Staff
Page 1999 - 41
Get more from your most valuable resource. Here are real world ideas that are being used
today at successful stations.
7. Develop Systems To Generate
And Refine Sweeps Ideas
Page 1999 - 49
Listen to your news and non-news staffers. Establish your own focus groups with non-news
station employees.
8. Stealing Your Good Name: One
Imposter's Story
Page 1999 - 57
Identity theft is increasing. In Seattle, KOMO-TV exposed a "psychologist." The
only thing real about him was his long history of fraud.
9. Reporting In Depth on a Regular Basis
Page 1999 - 65
Expanded material can be produced consistently --- if you have the right system.
10. Solving Y2K: Preparing For The Unknown
Page 1999 - 73
Two experts who had been studying the problem for months gave their advice.
11.
Investigation: Food Safety In Local Grocery Stores
Page 1999 - 81
Food safety impacts every viewer. Many people were surprised when KCBS- TV, Los Angeles,
revealed store personnel were routinely, deceptively, re- labelling old meat to make it
appear to be fresh.
12. Sweeps Investigations: Projects Worth Reviewing
Page 1999 - 89
A "doctor" provides unusual treatments for patients with imbalances. Libraries
and schools fail to child-proof online sites. College binges. Bleacher hazards. Urban dog
packs. Driving unprotected.
13. & 14. Prevent Illness, Save Lives: Explain Health Basics To Viewers
Page 1999 - 97
Many people fail to take fundamental, simple steps that may greatly improve their health.
Stations aired projects aimed at helping viewers live healthier and longer.
15. A Month of Money: Spend It,
Save It, Invest It Wisely
Page 1999 - 111
Viewers were offered practical advice about personal finances and economic survival.
16. Dramatic Rescue Carried
Live On Atlanta TV
Page 1999 - 119
A stranded crane operator was rescued as a large fire burned below him.
17. Viewers Sensitivities Key
To School Shooting Coverage
Page 1999 - 127
The Columbine High School tragedy presented many challenging situations for news
executives managing the coverage.
18. Protect Viewer Sensitivities: Six-Second Delay, Prepared Staffs
Page 1999 - 135
After Columbine, managers suggest tactics ranging from using a tape delay for selected
coverage to staff de-briefs and discussions.
19. Early Warning of Storm's
Path Saved Many Lives
Page 1999 - 143
The outbreak of devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma was the worst in 50 years.
20. Give Your Viewers Vital
Parenting Advice
Page 1999 - 151
Real life issues connect with the audience. Stories that help parents cope with what's
happening with children deserve more than an occasional mention.
21. Public Schools: Working The
System
Page 1999 - 159
Help viewers get the most for their children. Most people don't have a choice about where
they send their child to school. But, if a parent knows what works, what's available, they
can demand more for their children.
22. Charting The Way For HDTV Local Newscasts
Page 1999 - 167
With the help of Sony, KOMO-TV went on with its HDTV broadcasts during the May book.
23. Undercover Video Catches
Workers Taking Goods
Page 1999 - 175
It was shocking and infuriating to watch employees of an international charity carting off
goods that were donated to help people in need.
24. Investigative Reports: Safety, Guns, Hot Tub Scam
Page 1999 - 183
There are many abuses where government is failing to act aggressively to protect the
people who generously support it with their tax payments. Television news investigators
have consistently exposed important issues.
25.
Photographed With Girlfriend, Governor Threatens TV Reporter
Page 1999 - 191
The chief executive's European vacation had an explosive ending. He was photographed
arriving home with a woman who wasn't his wife. He had consistently maintained a public
persona of being personally conservative and religious.
26. Family Issues Have High Viewer Interest
Page 1999 - 199
Station executives are reviewing ways to incorporate into their newscasts meaningful
information about parenting, youngsters and education.
27. Specials On Youth Issues
Draw Large Audiences
Page 1999 - 207
Family issues are being covered extensively at WESH-TV, Orlando. Besides regular segments
in the newscasts, the station is producing four prime time specials.
28. Live Helicopter Video
Sparks Large Protest
Page 1999 - 215
Viewers were outraged when they saw the dramatic live helicopter video of Coast Guard
personnel using pepper spray and water hoses to repel Cubans who were desperately trying
to make it to shore.
29. Stations Raise Funds To Buy Firecams
Page 1999 - 223
The cameras help firefighters "see" in smoke-filled rooms. Many fire departments
want them, but few can afford them.
30. Kennedy Crash Was A Local
Tragedy For Boston Viewers
Page 1999 - 229
The Boston stations went with extended live local coverage for days to serve viewers who
felt a strong connection to the loss and the subsequent search.
31. Tackling The Tough Issues:
Dying With Dignity, Hungry Kids
Page 1999 - 237
Meaningful stories often focus on an individual. An Alzheimer's victim explained why he
was taking his life. And, one in four children in Cleveland goes to bed hungry.
32. Sweep Strategies: Exploring Community Issues, Targeting Mornings
Page 1999 - 245
Pick projects with impact. Make sure every story connects. Theme weeks bolster morning
shows. Tap into local pride.
33. Newsroom Debate Yields Strong Special Project
Page 1999 - 253
On the border, some illegal immigrants have been found with drugs and weapons. Do you
separate them from non-criminals who are also crossing illegally?
34. Aerial Tours Yield Prime
Time Specials and Tape Sales
Page 1999 - 261
Maximize and market your helicopter. In Portland, KOIN-TV uses its helicopter to produce
aerial tours of picturesque regions of Oregon.
35. Sports Database May Help
Capture Local Sports Franchise
Page 1999 - 269
The InstaSports program allows stations to offer detailed sports schedules, scores, stats
and team/athlete profiles 24 hours a day.
36. Spotlight Your Tradition,
Capitalize On Anniversaries
Page 1999 - 277
Whether it is your 50th or 40th or 30th, an anniversary is an opportunity to remind
viewers of your station's important role in the community and its contributions.
37. Fall Focus: Staff Development, More Interactivity, Continue Morning Upgrade
Page 1999 - 285
Help your staff members grow, critique out of town tapes. Increas e interaction with
viewers. More skycams increase your impact. Put your assets where viewers are.
38.
Hurricane Floyd: Challenges Afterward
Page 1999 - 291
News executives had to manage coverage of a huge storm that was 600 miles wide at one
point, keep the station on the air as long as possible, and cover the floods and
disruption that followed for days.
39. Investigations: Killer
Cribs, Dental Ripoffs, Ambulance Chasers
Page 1999 - 299
Liability is being shifted to the consumer. Maximizing profits at the dentist's office.
Chasing the ambulance chasers.
40. REACTV Offers Online Video,
Personalized Newscasts
Page 1999 - 307
New service promises partners improved information and video.
41. Kneeland Seminar: Newsroom
Management
Page 1999 - 315
Newsroom executives gather to review ideas that worked at KVUE-TV, Austin.
42. Expanding Morning News:
More Revenue, Increasing HUTS
Page 1999 - 323
Almost everyone is adding either another half-hour in the morning, or more resources for
the morning show.
43. An Investigator's Test:
Dangerously Dim Headlights
Page 1999 - 331
Your headlights are not necessarily bright enough to do the job. The results of a test
surprised even a veteran state trooper.
44. Promote Positive Values,
Find "Good" Kids
Page 1999 - 339
Salute youngsters doing the right things, but make sure these are interesting stories.
Stories of children overcoming adversity can be compelling.
45. Viewers Watching Simulcasts
Can Count In Your Ratings
Page 1999 - 347
Nielsen Media Research announced some stations can combine the ratings they get for their
broadcast newscasts with the ratings they get for those same programs when they are
simulcast on cable.
46. Eyewitness Evidence May
Often Be Wrong
Page 1999 - 355
In Cincinnati, WCPO-TV finds identifying the wrong person is common.
47. Investigations: Public
Safety Issues
Page 1999 - 363
Violent offenders released early. Molesters next door. Web hate. Fire hydrant pressure.
Most deadly roads.
48. Battle In Seattle: Covering
The WTO Protests
Page 1999 - 371
Protests were expected, but extended violence was not anticipated. Viewers sought video
and context.
49. TV Station Offers Free Internet Access
Page 1999 - 379
In Washington, WJLA-TV executives are bringing to the Internet television's model of an
advertiser-supported medium.
50. Pediatric Medical Feature Debuts In 2000
Page 1999 - 387
A new syndicated pediatric health services is being introduced in January.
Television News 1998
1. Build Your Audience in 1998: Be Relevant, Trustworthy
Page 1998 - 1
"There must be a re-dedication to making sure that every story in every newscast is
really thought through, and that it is delivering on a specific need that exists in the
marketplace," says Brent Magid, of Frank N. Magid Associates.
2. Stand Out From the Clutter, Tighten Your Focus
Page 1998 - 9
The team at Audience Research and Development urged its clients to concentrate their
marketing efforts and emphasize just a few strengths of their news services. To be
noticed, your message must be concentrated.
3. 1998: Motivate People to Come Back to Local News
Page 1998 - 17
Get them back on the days when there is no big, compelling story. 1998 is the year that
broadcasters must motivate people to come back to local news, according to Larry Rickel,
President of The Broadcast Image Group, in San Antonio.
4. Developing All News Radio Stations to Promote TV News
Page 1998 - 25
The news radio station slogan "All news, All the time" has new meaning. In some
markets, it's become "All news (to promote TV news) all the time." Several TV
stations are buying AM radio stations to extend the reach of their news pro ducts.
5. Room 104: The Overcrowding
Crisis
Page 1998 - 33
WABC-TV, New York, won a duPont-Columbia Award for a documentary about serious
overcrowding in New York City schools.
6. Blend On Air Reports With an
Interactive Online Resource
Page 1998 - 41
One strength of the World Wide Web is that you can link from your site to another
virtually anywhere and that other location becomes --- in a way -- - a resource of yours.
7. Medical Investigations Can Impact Your Community's Health
Page 1998 - 49
In Cincinnati, WCPO-TV reported on a practice that threatens some pregnant women and their
babies. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is a fairly common practice.
8. Investigation: Web Site Promotes Sex in Public Places
Page 1998 - 57
The vast reach of the Internet is enabling men seeking sex to meet in public places ---
libraries, malls, highway overpasses, parks and much more.
9. Save a Life, Re-start a
Heart
Page 1998 - 65
A person's heart suddenly stops. In some cases, the life could be saved --- if the right
equipment was close at hand. In Sacramento, KOVR-TV promoted Automatic External
Defibrillators (AEDs) to make the difference.
10. Investigations: Brakes,
Police, Cemeteries
Page 1998 - 73
Brakes that allegedly can't be relied on. Officers who may have committed crimes. Ripoffs
at the grave. Investigative reporters pursue a wide range of issues.
11. HDTV Means Changes For News Departments
Page 1998 - 81
Executives at WFAA-TV, Dallas, say it became the first VHF television station in the
country to put a high definition signal on the air.
12. & 13. Special Projects
Explain Issues That Impact Viewers
Page 1998 - 87
Expanded efforts focused on subjects that are relevant to the everyday experiences, needs
and concerns of viewers.
14. School Shootings: Lessons Learned
Page 1998 - 101
In Kentucky, a 14-year-old killed three school prayer group members. In Mississippi, a
16-year-old "nerd" stabbed his mom to death and shot nine classmates, killing
three of them. In Arkansas, two boys are accused of killing four girls and a teacher.
15. In Trouble, Avoiding Trouble, Growing Up
Page 1998 - 109
What happens once these youngsters are through the juvenile justice system? Will they ever
turn out to be good?
16. Home Repairs, Inspections and Installations
Page 1998 - 117
Reports on shoddy work, incompetent inspectors and downright dangerous installations were
successful for several stations.
17. Storm Coverage Helps Save Lives in Nashville Tornado
Page 1998 - 125
The mayor of Nashville and the governor of Tennessee both credited live TV coverage of a
dangerous storm system with helping to save lives. The expanded reports gave viewers
plenty of warning that severe weather was threatening, and they were able to take shelter.
18. & 19. KCBS-TV Scores
With Special Assignment Segment
Page 1998 - 133
In the highly competitive Los Angeles television market, offering in-depth reports at 11
draws a substantial audience. The news managers pick topics that are compelling, and then
promote them heavily.
20. Live Coverage: Review Policies Now
Page 1998 - 147
The latest helicopter-based camera systems can show everything. Y our photographers must
have a clear understanding of how tight --- or wide --- you want them to shoot public
safety events.
21. Breaking The Format To
Explain Cancer Developments
Page 1998 - 155
Medical information coming out in several reports on several days can be confusing to
viewers. Making the latest cancer news clear took time.
22. Upgrade Your Helicopter: Reliability, Not Liability
Page 1998 - 163
It's expensive. It's highly technical. And it can be dangerous. Owning, leasing or renting
a helicopter to cover TV news is a complicated business.
23. Anchor Performance: Avoiding Burn-Out
Page 1998 - 171
It happens to many people --- particularly in professions where the stress levels are
high. It may be difficult for television anchors to be "on" every day.
24. Investigations: Drug Tests,
School Buses, State Contracts
Page 1998 - 179
Can you beat a drug test? The quality of school buses and their drivers was investigated
in Houston. Government consultants hit the lottery in Washington state.
25. Build A Successful
Nutrition Franchise
Page 1998 - 187
Women want diet and nutrition information. It is a high interest topic. Here's the story
of one franchise that is succeeding in North Carolina.
26. & 27. Upgrade Investigative Reporting: Troubleshooters, I-Teams Are Hot
Page 1998 - 195
Viewers need someone they can depend on for straight advice. Investigative reporting
should be in every station's line-up this fall.
28. Get The Most Impact From Your Consumer Franchises
Page 1998 - 209
You want your consumer and investigative reporters to be on the air frequently.
29. Award-winning Promos: The
Keys To Drawing Viewers
Page 1998 - 217
A promo designed to attract women viewers to its 5 p.m. newscast won a New England Emmy
for WTNH-TV, New Haven. Next, the station won a PRO- MAX Gold Medallion.
30. Florida Fires: Battling Heat, Smoke and Fatigue
Page 1998 - 225
The wildfires in central Florida burned for weeks. News crews often faced the same
conditions as firefighters as they reported the story from the scenes of the action.
31. Talent Trends: A Good Man, Top Producers Are Hard To Find
Page 1998 - 233
Talent consultant Don Fitzpatrick provided an update on the television job market.
32. Crane Crashes Into Station, Competitors Help
Page 1998 - 241
Boston is a competitive news market. But when a huge crane crashed through the roof of
WLVI-TV, executives from almost every other station in the market came through with offers
of help.
33. Organizing A Productive Consumer Franchise
Page 1998 - 249
News executives explained how they have structured their units for the maximum benefit.
34. Handling Calls to the Desk, A Suicide is Averted
Page 1998 - 257
Your newsroom's approach to calls from your viewing public can be critical to your
newsgathering success. There are also times when how your people handle a caller could
save a life.
35. Campaign Provides Help For Youngsters To Succeed
Page 1998 - 265
In Minneapolis, managers at WCCO-TV developed a community service campaign that strikes at
the core of a common problem: children who have no hope of growing up and living the
American Dream.
36. Ten Steps To Ensuring Quality and Accuracy
Page 1998 - 273
Here are suggestions from the Poynter Institute's Valerie Hyman on things you may check or
modify to make sure your newsroom is performing at the levels you want.
37. Fall Focus: Strategies That Work
Page 1998 - 281
Besides planning special projects and expanded segments, managers examined their systems
to see where improvements could be made.
38. A Promise To Viewers: Instant Coverage
Page 1998 - 289
A high interest story that continues for several days or weeks presents a special
opportunity. If you can consistently provide the news and information that viewers are
searching for when they want it, they will turn to you again and again.
39. Create A Fitness Project
With A Hospital Partner
Page 1998 - 297
A TV anchor "stars" in a healthy lifestyles project. A popular health subject is
personalized and presented over many weeks. Here is a long-running project that benefits
both partners --- the television station and the health system.
40. Hurricane Georges: Lessons After The Storm
Page 1998 - 305
Gulf Coast news veterans took it seriously from the first.
41. Investigations: Taxis,
Victims, and Babies
Page 1998 - 313
Taxi drivers ignored a discount zone. Criminals in North Carolina are getting restitution.
Babies are being smuggled from Mexico to the United States.
42. Still The Right Stuff: John Glenn Returns To Orbit
Page 1998 - 321
For stations near the space centers, it was a big story that ran for several days.
43. New California Law Restricts Photographing Private Moments
Page 1998 - 329
A law has been designed to stop the paparazzi from taking photographs of celebrities in
private moments. News organizations opposed the measure. Lawmakers have created a new kind
of trespass
44. Child Molesters Getting
Probation In Houston
Page 1998 - 337
Victims and their parents are outraged at Houston "justice."
45. Initially, Anthrax Threats Appeared To Be Very Real
Page 1998 - 345
Letters claiming to contain deadly anthrax were sent to abortion clinics in several
states. Hazardous materials teams and police covered the sites, and TV stations aired
extended coverage.
46. Drive Weekend Viewers To Monday News
Page 1998 - 353
In Greensboro, WFMY-TV managers promoted one topic to be covered in depth on all Monday
newscasts.
47. November Investigations: Sweat Shops, Drunks and Cons
Page 1998 - 361
Television news organizations continue to expose important, dangerous and unfair
conditions.
48. Seattle Bus Crash: Murder, Suicide, Terror
Page 1998 - 369
A rider shot the bus driver, then apparently shot himself, and the bus plunged 50 feet
onto an apartment house.
49. Finding Compelling Stories To Connect With Viewers
Page 1998 - 377
In Dallas, WFAA-TV reports on biological-chemical terrorism and El Nino. In Seattle,
KOMO-TV profiles former military personnel and a couple coping with ALS. In Boston,
WCVB-TV finds a big lottery mistake and a pet store selling diseased puppies.
50. Make Your Web Site A Powerful Force for 1999
Page 1998 - 385
McHugh & Hoffman say content drives usage, and a high priority is establishing
interaction with the viewer.
Television News 1997
1. 1997: Reduce Redundancy, Upgrade Content, Storytelling
Page 1997 - 1
Consultants at Frank N. Magid Associates provide suggestions on how to fight audience
erosion and produce winning newscasts.
2.1997: Break Through The Clutter; Increase Your Marketing Now
Page 1997 - 9
Viewers must understand how much they need your service. Consultants at Audience Research
and Development provide their advice.
3. Be A Content Developer, Not Simply A Packager
Page 1997 - 17
McHugh & Hoffman says Internet use is increasing rapidly. The Broadcast Image Group
suggests improved content will bring viewers back.
4. Promote Wellness, Reaffirm Your Health Franchise
Page 1997 - 25
A massive campaign promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention was launched by
WCVB-TV, Boston. The HealthBeat Project covers a variety of current topics,
including the latest in diet and nutrition, the importance of exercise, the need for
age-appropriate regular checkups, the cutting edge of preventive medicine and the role of
mental health and its link to physical health.
5. Exposing Injustice,
Unfairness, Ripoffs and Unsafe Food
Page 1997 - 33
People want to know how to avoid being separated from their hard- earned money. They want
to see wrongs righted. And, they want to see the bad guys get caught --- especially if
they are caught on camera.
6 & 7. Protecting Our
Children? Government Fails Badly
Page 1997 - 41
Children are placed in dangerous situations --- often with absolutely no warning to their
parents --- by the action or inaction of government agencies.
8. Two Successful Morning Shows Are Better Than One
Page 1997 - 55
Two California stations expand their morning news service. With a LMA to produce
programming for KQCA-TV, KCRA-TV, Sacramento is number one and two on some mornings. In
San Francisco, KRON-TV revamps its cable service, BayTV.
9. Weather Camp: Station
Connects With Students
Page 1997 - 63
Building and reinforcing your weather franchise is critical. In New Haven, WTNH-TV
partnered with schools and museums to create an educational event.
10. When Disaster Strikes:
Who's In Charge?
Page 1997 - 71
When severe floods hit northern California, KCRA-TV documented serious weaknesses in the
regional emergency response system.
11. Should Your Newscasts Be Live On The Web?
Page 1997 - 79
Several station executives experimented with putting their newscasts on the Internet.
12 & 13. Flesh-Eating Bacteria Strikes Rochester
Page 1997 - 87
Early details were few, patient confidentiality restricted information. Viewers wanted
information. They were worried about going into the hospitals.
14. Kids and --- Guns, Bombs, Violence, TV and Teachers
Page 1997 - 101
Students today face an extraordinary range of problems. Teachers are coping with much more
than running in the halls and chewing gum.
15. Investigations: Food, Mattresses, Racism, Money
Page 1997 - 109
News crews investigated everything from food and mattresses to people who'd filed for
bankruptcy and were living in luxury.
16. Anniversaries: Reinforce Your Service, Value To Viewers
Page 1997 - 117
When your station has a big anniversary, it is time to remind the public how important you
are to them and how you have served them in the past.
17. New Franchise Launched On Workplace Issues
Page 1997 - 125
In Seattle, KOMO-TV creates a humorous feature on a very serious subject: the workplace.
18. Anchor Uses Web Site For Dialogue With Viewers
Page 1997 - 133
In Philadelphia, veteran anchor Larry Kane runs his own web Page. He provides a running
commentary on the news of the day and the viewers respond.
Also: Channel 2000 is up and running at KCBS-TV, Los Angeles.
19. Covering A Standoff When You're Kept Miles Away
Page 1997 - 141
When the Republic of Texas members seized hostages and began a seven-day standoff with law
enforcement, news organizations mobilized. Would it be another Waco or Ruby Ridge? This
time, law enforcement made certain no one was close enough to record it.
20 & 21. Reaching Out To Women: Newscast, Franchise
Page 1997 - 149
A noon newscast is designed to appeal to women watching at lunchtime. And, a syndicator
creates a feature targeted to women.
22. EMTs With Criminal Records Prey On Patients
Page 1997 - 163
Most rescue team members are dedicated to helping people in trouble. But, there are a few
thieves that have infiltrated the ranks. In Phoenix, KNXV-TV discovered EMTs had stolen
money, credit cards and other items from the homes they were responding to. The state
wasn't running effective background checks.
23. Most Livable Hometowns Ranked For Viewers
Page 1997 - 171
In Minneapolis, WCCO-TV analyzed crime, traffic patterns and the quality of life of the
communities in its metro. The result was a list of the best places to live.
24. The Women's Doctor: A Medical Franchise That Works
Page 1997 - 179
In Baltimore, WBAL-TV does a four-minute segment in its 5 p.m. show on Mondays. The
station partners with a hospital to produce tightly targeted segments.
25. Air Scares: What Travellers
Don't Know
Page 1997 - 187
In Detroit, WDIV-TV utilized computer-assisted reporting to discover that accidents at the
airport are not unusual. Veteran reporter Mike Wendland explained how he investigates.
26. Investigate Things That
Impact Your Viewers
Page 1997 - 195
In Raleigh, WRAL-TV found life-saving emergency help often arrives late. Personal examples
were vital for making the story connect with viewers. In Austin, KTBC-TV discovered
Internet scams that appealed to the generosity of people. In New Haven, WTNH-TV tested the
accuracy of parking meters and also discovered criminals driving school buses.
27. Extend The Life Of ...
Stretch Your Money
Page 1997 - 203
The costs of transportation, shelter and clothing keep rising, while the earnings of the
average viewer may not be. In San Antonio, KMOL-TV offered help.
28. Reporting The JonBenet
Ramsey Murder
Page 1997 - 211
Six months had passed and there were no arrests. Plenty of stories, possibilities, and
rumors, but no arrests. A big story generates big pressures.
29. Station Ombudsman To Champion Fairness, Accuracy, Balance
Page 1997 - 219
Some viewers are cynical about television news. In Providence, WJAR-TV is going to address
that concern with a person who will investigate any newsroom activity that he or viewers
question.
30. Back to the Early Days: Commercial-Free Newscast
Page 1997 - 227
In Indianapolis, WRTV-TV set itself apart on Thursday nights in July. A supermarket
sponsored the news, with just sponsoring billboards at the front and end of the
broadcasts. The idea stimulated extensive discussion in the community.
31 & 32. Did Police Lie ---
Or Misspeak in Miami Beach?
Page 1997 - 235
Police: No reason to think that serial killer Andrew Cunanan is in a surrounded houseboat.
Police: A SWAT team search found no body in the boat. Three hours later: There was a body.
It was Cunanan.
33. Adding New Venues: Online And CD-ROM
Page 1997 - 247
You don't want to be left behind. In Seattle, KOMO-TV has produced an extensive online
database for parents to compare schools. The station is working with a university on a
CD-ROM about Puget Sound. Classrooms will be linked for an online chat with a station
weathercaster.
34. Wilderness Adventure On
Air, Online, In Print
Page 1997 - 255
A canoe trip across the great North Woods of Maine was reported on WGME-TV, Portland,
destinationmaine.com and in The Portland Press Herald.
35. The Paparazzi, The Tabloids and Your Reputation
Page 1997 - 263
A Magid survey found anti-media feelings are stronger than ever. Dissatisfaction has grown
and audiences have declined. AR&D: Act now to make sure your people are fully
sensitive.
36. Quick Investigations That Have A Payoff For Your Viewers
Page 1997 - 271
Here are projects that drew good audience reactions, but didn't require a huge amount of
undercover work.
37. New Sunday Morning Show: Healthy
Living Live
Page 1997 - 279
In Detroit, WXYZ-TV launched a weekly half-hour magazine show that focused on health and
medical information.
38. To Win The Day, Win The Morning Meeting
Page 1997 - 287
Consultants from the Broadcast Image Group say news executives must start early to
dominate the news day.
39. Connect With Parents and Kids, Boost Your Zoo
Page 1997 - 295
In Detroit, WDIV-TV promotes the zoo with a multi-faceted campaign.
40. Successful Television Today: Maximize Management Skills
Page 1997 - 303
Managing requires different skills than producing and newsgathering. A consultant suggests
teams win, individuals lose.
41. TV, Papers Lose Fight For
Prison Interviews
Page 1997 - 311
California's governor leaves intact a ban on one-on-one interviews, as an anti-media mood
gains strength with elected officials.
42. Station Project Fights
Fading Concern About AIDS
Page 1997 - 319
In Dayton, WDTN-TV runs a full day of news reports and live shots from an information
phone bank.
43. Online Experiments: E-Mailing The News
Page 1997 - 325
Two stations --- WRAL-TV, Raleigh, and KXAS-TV, Fort Worth --- are offering daily e-mail
with the latest news headlines, weather and stock reports.
44. A Live Tragedy: Guest Collapses On Air
Page 1997 - 333
It was intended to be a happy Halloween morning segment in Texas. A man was a big fan of
the morning news broadcast. He asked if he could bring his son and be part of a live
segment on Halloween costumes on KVIA-TV's Good Morning El Paso. The team at the station
had to deal with his death, the young guests and keep a show going.
45. The Boston Au Pair Case:
Covering The Big Story
Page 1997 - 341
Was it murder, manslaughter, or just a mistake? Some testimony was carried live. The judge
tried to issue his ruling via the Internet. Differentiating your coverage is key on big
stories.
46 & 47. November Wrapup: Special Reports and Investigations
Page 1997 - 349
Great content wins. Special reports must be able to stand alone. Producing promotable
series. A checklist for managers selecting their Targeted Special Reports.
48. You Can Make A Profit On Your Online Service
Page 1997 - 363
Here's how Channel 4000 is helping WCCO-TV.
49. Beat The Criminals, Provide Vital Information
Page 1997 - 371
In New Haven, WTNH-TV re-opens the case of a murder suspect who walked on grounds of
mental incompetence. In Evansville, WFIE-TV explains techniques of child molesters. In
Augusta, WJBF-TV advises viewers on how to deal with dangerous situations.
50. Taking A Regional Approach:
Targeting Outlying Areas
Page 1997 - 379
In Lexington, WKYT-TV structures its newscasts to serve the largest entire possible
audience.
Television News 1996
1. 1996: The Year Ahead, A Time For a Change --- Ratings, Computers and Politics -
Page 1996 - 1
Consultants at Frank N. Magid Associates believe television news executives should
concentrate on creating change in three key areas.
2. The Keys To 1996: Local, Value and Access
Page 1996 - 13
Consultants from Audience Research and Development emphasize making a very local
connection.
3. 1996: On The Verge Of The Highway
Page 1996 - 21
The information highway is coming and will be here sooner than many people think,
according to the Information Technology Group of MSI.
4. 1996: Content Drives Viewing, Produces Compelling Television
Page 1996 - 29
Consultants Larry Rickel and Roy Meyer provide suggestions for television success.
5. Officials Go To Conference,
Viva Las Vegas!
Page 1996 - 37
In Providence, WLNE-TV found that junkets by state lottery officials were fertile ground
for investigation. The station documented an "educational" trip by these
spirited public servants.
6. Producing Airport News: Another Information Venue
Page 1996 - 45
In Orlando, WFTV-TV wins a contract to produce local news, weather and information
programming at their region's airport.
7. Hostage Drama Carried On Live TV in Hawaii
Page 1996 - 53
A laid off worker returned to his former workplace, shot a supervisor and held a co-worker
hostage for more than six hours before he was shot to death by police.
8. http://wxnet4.nbc4.com Web Site Gets Thousands of Hits
Page 1996 - 61
The worry has been they'll just visit the site, get the information they need, and then
not bother to watch the news. WRC meteorologists are convinced that their site complements
the on air broadcasts, and the online presence is helping them.
9 & 10. Make Every Story An Enterprise Story
Page 1996 - 69
Valerie Hyman of the Poynter Institute maintains it is possible to keep your reporting
fresh, current and maybe even memorable.
11. Discovering and Resolving A
Playground Threat
Page 1996 - 81
Dangerously high levels of lead paint put happy, innocent children at risk as they play.
12. Channel 4000: The Future Is
Now
Page 1996 - 89
Beyond news, weather and sports --- and designed to be a revenue source.
13. Non-Broadcast Advertisers Support Youth Project
Page 1996 - 97
In Erie, WSEE-TV has undertaken an ambitious community project. It has been made possible
by companies and organizations that often don't advertise on television in their
community.
14. Investigations From
Nonprofits to Fish
Page 1996 - 105
Here is a roundup of interesting investigations.
15. Eight Persons Lose 180
Pounds, Diet Project Draws Well
Page 1996 - 113
Volunteers were put on a lifestyle change --- to teach them how to eat healthier foods, to
establish better eating habits and to incorporate exercise into their lives.
16. Television Turns The Tables --- Rates and Reviews Newspaper
Page 1996 - 121
WSOC-TV examined the Charlotte Observer. How much news is really in the paper? Very
little is truly local. Paper takes ads from sex shows.
17. Convert Hostile Viewer
Calls Into Opportunities
Page 1996 - 129
Handling viewer calls, e-mail, faxes and letters can be very time consuming. But, it is an
important process and an opportunity to convert a negative into a positive.
18. Investigations:
Rustproofing, Auto Repairs, Teens and Drugs
Page 1996 - 137
Here are series and expanded segments that have drawn good responses.
19. Police Want To Ban Live
Coverage
Page 1996 - 143
The advocates claimed they weren't proposing censorship --- just a reasonable adjustment
of current procedures.
20. Strong Projects: Water
Safety, Tornados, Teens, Nannies, Belles
Page 1996 - 151
Varied topics will draw strong audience response, these subjects may not always be the
ones that you'd expect.
21. Crash of Flight 592: Keys Were Helicopters, Veteran Staffs
Page 1996 - 159
An airliner crashed into the Everglades, killing everyone on board on a Saturday
afternoon.
22. Keep Your Health Franchise
Vital: Emotions, Children, Links
Page 1996 - 167
Your franchises are more important than ever for serving your viewers with the information
they need and want. As time passes, you must make sure that the segments are still fresh
and vital.
23. Keep Your Crime Franchise
Vital: Find Ways To Make It Bigger
Page 1996 - 175
Many viewers are concerned about personal safety. The question is how do you cover crime
in a meaningful way that people can relate to.
24. Long Lost Kennedy Film Found, Could There Be More?
Page 1996 - 183
The 16 mm footage had apparently been rescued from the trash at the television station in
1963, and kept hidden for more than 30 years.
25. Women and Families: Money,
Health and Relationships
Page 191
Several stations produced major projects of interest to women.
26. Internet Site Helps Boost Station To Sweeps Win
Page 1996 - 199
In May, WCCO-TV was the only CBS affiliate in the top 25 metered markets whose late news
won the book. Executives said part of their success was due to their web site.
27. Militia Arrests In Phoenix: TV Station Was A Target
Page 1996 - 207
According to an affidavit, KPNX-TV was a takeover target. The Viper Militia was watching
several places.
28. Multi-Media: On The Air, In The Paper, Online
Page 1996 - 213
A partnership between WFLA-TV and the Tampa Tribune provides expanded coverage and
impact when the allies work together.
29. Hurricane Bertha: Are You Ready For The Big One?
Page 1996 - 221
Broadcasters in the Carolinas were hit with 100 mph winds as they provided viewers with
the vital information about the turbulent storm.
30. Media in Montoursville:
Trying To Be Very Sensitive
Page 1996 - 229
Here is the story of how reporters and photographers explained the reactions of people in
a small town after the crash of TWA flight 800.
31. TWA Crash: Keeping Control
When You're Live Hour After Hour
Page 1996 - 237
When the big story hits, and you're working it live for long stretches of time, there may
be moments when it is hard to maintain strict editorial control.
32. Olympics Bombing: Terror Strikes At Concert
Page 1996 - 245
Television executives hoped there would be no disruptions, but were prepared when
something did happen.
33. Atlanta Bombing: Sustaining 18 Hours of Live
Page 1996 - 253
Continuous coverage is challenging.
34. Protecting Children: Check Unregulated Day Care
Page 1996 - 259
To see if children were safe, KNXV-TV organized a test.
35. Listening and Responding To
A Shrinking Audience
Page 1996 - 267
Staying in touch with the people you serve is more important than ever.
36. Listening to Viewers: Voice Of The Voter
Page 1996 - 275
Stations asked campaigners to address problems the public is interested in.
37. Stolen From the Military:
Bomb Ingredients, Weapons
Page 1996 - 283
In Raleigh, WRAL-TV reveals weapons and explosives are vanishing from American military
bases --- and nobody is effectively stopping this.
38. Personal Safety Franchise:
Help Viewers Avoid Being Victims
Page 1996 - 291
In Sacramento, KOVR-TV's Smart and Safe franchise provides viewers what they want
and need: real life solutions to crime threats.
39. 4 O'Clock News Wins: How They Do It
Page 1996 - 299
In Milwaukee, WTMJ-TV has been very successful with a four o'clock newscast.
40. Infrared Gyrocam is the Latest in Helicopter Hi Tech
Page 1996 - 307
They can fly over scenes at night and get steady pictures. Technology once utilized by the
military has been adapted to television news.
41. Maximize Your Remote Cameras: Sponsorships, Internet Cams
Page 1996 - 313
Many stations have set up networks of fixed cameras to show traffic conditions, weather
and spot news.
42. Using ER To Help Viewers Avoid Disease
Page 1996 - 321
In Baltimore, WBAL-TV teams with the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health to produce a
regular feature emphasizing preventive medicine.
43. Defining The Real Issues: Viewers/Voters Set The Agenda
Page 1996 - 329
In Sacramento, KCRA-TV commissioned extensive research that provided the base for an
ambitious project.
44 & 45. St. Petersburg Disturbance: TV Caught in the Middle
Page 1996 - 335
Several newspeople were caught in the violence. Reporters and photographers were pelted
with rocks and bottles. Vehicles were burned.
46. Investigations: Manicures,
Motels, Molesters, Meth
Page 1996 - 347
A sampling of investigations done during the November book.
47. I Can Quit, No Problem! Anti-Smoking Project Draws Well
Page 1996 - 355
Teenagers are shown the dramatic and devastating impact of tobacco use when they meet
cancer patients face-to-face.
48. Station, Newspaper, Cable Are Partners in Newschannel
Page 1996 - 363
In Norfolk, WVEC-TV partners with Cox Communications and the Virginian-Pilot.
49. Interactive Newscast Strives To Involve Viewers
Page 1996 - 371
In Tampa, WTVT-TV is offering an alternative at 5 p.m.
50. Maximize Your Web Site: An Expert's Advice
Page 1996 - 379
Here are ten suggestions on what you should be doing with your Internet service.
Television News 1995
1. 1995: How To Flourish During Affiliation Turmoil
Page 1995 - 1
Make clear who you are and what you offer. Deliver local, timely news consistently. Make
marketing a priority. If you change, make sure it's for the better. Expect the unexpected.
Be prepared for new competition.
2. 1995: Re-examine Viewer Needs And The Service You Offer
Page 1995 - 9
Coalitions win elections, wars --- and ratings. Provide a better, different service. Use
technology to differentiate your product. Many viewers are nowhere close to the
information highway.
3. 1995: It's More About Content Than About Packaging
Page 1995 - 17
Broaden your newscast content. Avoid an over-emphasis on crime and fires. Concentration on
production has resulted in sameness. Viewer's personalized pre- selection system will be
important. Sell viewer benefits.
4. 1995: Build A News Service That Delivers on Every Show
Page 1995 - 25
Avoid being driven by ratings periods. Adjust to the different ways that viewers are using
television news. Provide a service that your customers will recognize as superior. Become
the information utility in your market.
5. Volunteer 5: Mobilizing The
Community
Page 1995 - 33
In St. Louis, KSDK-TV has developed a highly successful community service project that has
become a revenue stream for the station.
6. Series and Investigations: From DUI to Cancer Clusters
Page 1995 - 41
Drunken drivers. Cancer clusters. Cancer hazards at work. Education and families. Japan's
educational system. Parents and discipline.
7. Safe Streets, Safe Cities: Anti-Crime Stories and Campaigns
Page 1995 - 49
Several anti-crime campaigns and services are being adapted by stations.
8. Project Payday: Helping
Viewers Get Jobs, Earn More
Page 1995 - 57
In Providence, WPRI-TV provides extensive information for its viewers.
9. New Fox Affiliate Puts Emphasis On Special Projects
Page 1995 - 65
In Cleveland, WJW-TV adjusts to its new affiliation.
10. Your News, Your Choice: Ratings War Heats Up
Page 1995 - 73
In highly competitive Minneapolis-St. Paul, two stations claim victory.
11. Interactive Franchises:
Viewers Suggest Topics
Page 1995 - 79
· How do you know what people want to know about? Ask them.
· In Orlando, WFTV-TV followed up on "What Ever Happened To ..."
· In Vancouver, CKVU-TV asked people to tell them what "Bugs U."
12. Special Assignments Provide A Reason To Tune In
Page 1995 - 87
Tearing a car apart, live. Know your enemy: burglars. How old is too old for aging
aircraft? School windows wide open in winter.
13. Undercover Investigations Target Consumer Issues
Page 1995 - 95
Are your kids safe? Diamond scams. Testing burglar alarms. Faulty house siding. How to get
the best deal on a car. Testing Zima.
14. Exposing Drug Dealers and
Prostitution Near Schools
Page 1995 - 103
In Jackson, WLBT-TV revealed rampant drug dealing, prostitution and other criminal
activities that young people were forced to walk past.
15. Help Viewers To Live Longer
and Healthier
Page 1995 - 111
Buddy Check stimulates women to make preventive exams. Pharmacists were tested to see if
they were producing the correct prescriptions. Checking public satisfaction with group
health plans in Denver. Looking and feeling younger. Longterm wellness project pairs
station and hospital.
16. Preparing For May: More Series and Projects
Page 1995 - 119
Doctor rips off unsuspecting. Imprisoned and innocent. Counterfeit Gucci purses.
17. Pedophiles Surfing the
Highway In Search of Kids
Page 1995 - 127
In New Orleans, WDSU-TV investigators exposed on camera two deviants who had thought they
were meeting a 13-year-old boy for sex.
18 & 19. Special Report:
Oklahoma City Explosion, Covering the Terror
Page 1995 - 135
A news helicopter transmitted the images of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, as the
craft moved around the structure, suddenly the source of the noise was clear: the entire
north side of the building was missing.
20. No Chit Chat, More News: Content Drives Format
Page 1995 - 147
In Phoenix, KNXV-TV features a concise, visual presentation.
21. "Fire: What You Should
Know," Dramatic Series in Seattle
Page 1995 - 155
An investigation by KING-TV showed threats range from children's sleepwear to appliances
in the kitchen.
22. Establishing a Home Page 1995 -: Do You Need an Internet Address?
Page 1995 - 163
In Houston, KTRK-TV experiments with its 5 o'clock news live on the Internet. Three
Indianapolis stations offer extensive menus.
23. Summer Safety: Protecting Your Kids
Page 1995 - 171
In the summer, youngsters are out and active --- an opportunity for the criminals who prey
on children.
24. Second Channels: Cable Ventures Are One Year Old
Page 1995 - 179
Updating the experimental second services being offered on cable.
25. Police Videotaped Kicking, Punching and Macing Teen
Page 1995 - 185
News executives at WLWT-TV, Cincinnati had sensitive decisions to make when a photographer
shot footage of what appeared to be police brutality.
26. Fighting Criminals, Fat and Crooked Jewelers
Page 1995 - 193
People were shown how to avoid becoming crime victims. How to reduce fat in the diet.
Strangers who enter the home posing as repairmen. Diamond merchants ripping off customers.
27. Help Children: From Health to Homework
Page 1995 - 201
Stations produced projects aimed at helping parents and their youngsters.
28. Inside The Militias: Look For More Trouble Ahead
Page 1995 - 209
Investigators told WTHR-TV, Indianapolis that the armed militias had just begun to make
news with the Oklahoma City bombing.
29. Simpson Trial Fallout: Judges Bar Cameras -Page 1995 - 217
News executives in several towns faced challenges stimulated by coverage controversies in
Los Angeles.
30. Crime Prevention Advice
From The Experts: Convicted Burglars
Page 1995 - 225
The criminals were sent surveys in their prison cells. The inmates responded, explaining
how they worked and what they went after.
31. & 32. A Decade of
Counseling: Dealing With Personal Problems
Page 1995 - 233
In San Antonio, a psychiatrist at KENS-TV explained his techniques. Also: a comprehensive
directory of special projects done on psychological subjects during the past 15 years by
television news organizations.
33. Community Marketing Approach Produces Significant Revenues
Page 1995 - 247
In Norfolk, WVEC-TV has developed a community service that not only helps its viewers, but
also creates new revenue streams.
34. Show Me St. Louis, New Hometown Program Debuts
Page 1995 - 255
In St. Louis, KSDK-TV creates an entertainment and information program to air at 3 p.m. It
could become a news lead-in or lead-out.
35. Making A Difference: "Put Children First. Every Day."
Page 1995 - 263
Children are helped with medical assistance, hotline advice, senior friends, on air
information and more in a program created by KGTV-TV, San Diego.
36. Medical Mistakes: The Guilty Often Go Free
Page 1995 - 271
A patient with a cancerous lung is operated on. The surgeons remove his healthy lung.
Criminal charges are brought against a dentist. Pap smear outrage is coming to courtroom.
37. Hometown News Show Beats Leno and Letterman
Page 1995 - 279
A local news and interview program is doing well at 10:35 p.m. in El Paso.
38. Customer-Centered News: Setting Up Systems That Work
Page 1995 - 287
Consultant Larry Rickel and KUSA-TV anchor Ed Sardella explain their theories of focusing
on the viewer's needs and wants.
39. Contesting Controversy: Short Term Gains at a High Price?
Page 1995 - 295
The Charlotte market is seeing a particularly intense competition.
40. Life After O.J., Reassigning Your Resources
Page 1995 - 303
The dramatic trial of a superstar athlete accused of murder dominated large blocks of news
time in 1995.
41. Arizona Train Derailment: Domestic Terrorism Again
Page 1995 - 311
Helicopters provided access to the remote desert where saboteurs tampered with the rails
and caused the Sunset Limited to fly off a trestle.
42. Help Parents Protect Children From On Line Sexual Predators
Page 1995 - 319
Adults who have bought their computer mainly for their youngsters' education may not even
be aware of just how much filth is out there, and how easily their children may find it.
In Phoenix, KNXV-TV provided parents with information on how to protect their youngsters.
43. Contesting Heats Up, Big Money Offered in Charlotte
Page 1995 - 327
Dueling stations offer viewers up to $1 million and $1.5 million.
44. School Bus Hijacked: Chase Covered Live In Miami
Page 1995 - 335
A school bus was hijacked, and pursued by police and news crews.
45. Combatting ER: Drawing Viewers Back
Page 1995 - 343
In Minneapolis and Hartford, two strong CBS affiliates have presented special attractions
to bring some viewers back to their newscasts.
46. Marshmallows and Success: The EQ Test
Page 1995 - 351
Is it possible that emotional skills are more important than basic intelligence in
determining success in life?
47. Do Doctors --- Or
Accountants --- Control Your Treatment?
Page 1995 - 357
Doing it cheaper may have replaced doing it better as the top goal of medical treatment.
In Boston, WCVB-TV surveyed patients and physicians to get their separate views of the
rapidly changing American health care.
48. Threats To Children: Advice For Parents
Page 1995 - 365
It often seems that children today are threatened by predators and dangers everywhere. In
special reports, stations offered help for parents who want to create safe environments
for their children.
49. Bad Checks, Stolen Cards, Credit Cons
Page 1995 - 373
Merchants aren't scrutinizing checks and cards. Frauds are common.
50. Local Investigations: Toxic
Tea, Low-Fat Fraud
Page 1995 - 381
Lab tests reveal restaurants are serving food that is far from healthy.
Television News 1994
1. Is There a Place For You On the Information Highway?
Page 1994 - 1
1994 is the year to make certain your operation is getting on the information highway.
2. Win Every Newscast, Articulate a Vision
Page 1994 - 9
Be the best you can be every day. You can't just expect to win viewers during rating
periods or on the big news days.
3. Flourishing Once the Information Highway is Open
Page 1994 - 17
Viewers want a voice and control. One expert says broadcast executives tend to discount
how quickly the information highway is going to become a reality.
4. Providence Computer Network:
News, Viewer Comments Via Modem
Page 1994 - 25
Newsroom on line: providing news and information to businesses via modem.
5. & 6. Enhance Your News With Interactive Information
Page 1994 - 33
Half of American households have at least nine sources of external information, according
to Market Strategies, Inc. The information highway is not yet integrated onto a single
wire, but many parts of it are already in operation.
7. Criminals Run Loose, Victims' Relatives Grieve
Page 1994 - 45
It's not hard to see why crime and personal safety are among your viewers' greatest
worries. Several crime series went behind the scenes to look at the criminal justice
system and why it isn't working the way it should.
8. Religion and Morality: Reporting on Personal Ethics
Page 1994 - 53
Several stations did expanded projects on topics that were once downplayed as too
controversial for some viewers or not relevant to others.
9. Using Investigations to Attract More Viewers
Page 1994 - 61
From plumbing scams to cancer cures to warehouse thefts, local investigations scored with
viewers.
10. Family Medical Projects Draw Good Response
Page 1994 - 67
Some cancers can be contained --- if they are detected early enough. Several stations ran
major awareness projects.
11. Young World: What's Really Going On
Page 1994 - 75
Teen pregnancy, child abuse, and the easy access to drugs and guns. The dangerous,
difficult world of youth was the focus of several expanded projects.
12. Silence the Violence:
Station Sponsors Gun Buy-back
Page 1994 - 83
In Richmond, WWBT-TV conducted a buy-back program that removed hundreds of handguns from
circulation.
13. Plane Crash Kills Weatherman; Talk Radio in Controversy
Page 1994 - 91
Weatherman Bob Richards, of KSDK-TV, St. Louis, died when his plane crashed. This tragic
story began when the news broke that a judge had ordered him to stay away from a woman who
had complained he was harassing her.
14. Hometown Connection To War In Bosnia
Page 1994 - 99
A news team from WHAS-TV, Louisville, flies to Sarajevo to report on the relief effort,
part of which was supplied by the Kentucky National Guard.
15. Telco Test Includes Television News On Demand
Page 1994 - 107
Local news on demand is tested by Southern New England Telephone in Hartford.
16. Using Expos To Raise Revenues; Reach Potential Viewers
Page 1994 - 115
Stations have success producing large public shows focused on popular topics.
17. Second Channel Features Time Shifting, Reporter Talkback
Page 1994 - 123
In Spokane, KXLY-TV launched its KXLY Extra. A mixture of news, talk, and entertainment
was offered on its second channel.
18. Mixing News, Talk, Information on Second Channel
Page 1994 - 131
In Knoxville, WBIR-TV starts another service.
19. Crime Coverage: How Do You Handle It?
Page 1994 - 139
Crime ranks at, or near, the top of the list of things people say they are concerned
about. What do you report? How do you report it?
20. May Series: From Scams To Hangings
Page 1994 - 147
Many stations had success with local investigations.
21. New Fox Affiliates Welcome Chance For News Expansion
Page 1994 - 153
The network of Bart Simpson and Married With Children moves to at least 12
powerful VHF stations that have good reputations for news and local programing.
22. Carolina Crime Solutions:
Taking Back Our Neighborhoods
Page 1994 - 161
A major community-based anti-crime program was organized by executives at WSOC- TV,
Charlotte and their newspaper and radio allies.
23. Alerting Viewers to Save Their Own Lives
Page 1994 - 169
Catch a disease in its early stages and you have a much better chance of curing the
patient --- and avoiding more costly, longer treatments. Two television stations worked
with health care sponsors to present wellness advice.
24. Hometown Investigations: Taking Time To Dig For Facts
Page 1994 - 177
In Chicago, WGN-TV exposed overt thefts by brazen robbers on the highway. In Lansing,
WNEM-TV found landlords getting rich from federal housing subsidies, while tenants lived
in filth. In Springfield, WWLP-TV went with state inspectors checking bridge safety. In
Erie, WSEE-TV quizzed the need for a rate increase for the gas company. In Indianapolis,
WTHR-TV probed the video poker racket. In Albany, WNYT-TV found prisoners receiving perks
like weight training rooms, jogging tracks and cable television.
25. Summer Projects: Smog Alerts; Playground Safety
Page 1994 - 185
In Milwaukee, WISN-TV established itself as the official ozone station. In Hartford,
WFSB-TV recruited an expert to tour playgrounds and show parents dangers to watch out for.
26 & 27. Captured! O. J.
Simpson Live On Television
Page 1994 - 193
It was an incredible week. Even by Los Angeles standards. It began with the shocking
double murder of Nicole Simpson and a male friend. It ended with the arrest of
media-sports superstar O.J. Simpson. It was an extraordinary, challenging story for the
executives making the coverage decisions.
28. Innovative Second Channel Launched in San Francisco
Page 1994 - 205
In San Francisco, KRON-TV debuted BayTV, its new 24-hour news, information and talk cable
channel. It is another distribution pathway. Station executives feel it is a chance to
have their products seen in more places.
29. Award-winning Investigation
Targets Very Powerful Pol
Page 1994 - 213
Death threats were received as WWL-TV, New Orleans exposed a lawmaker who makes millions
billing the state for drug treatment programs. At the treatment centers, there was drug
use, sex with teenaged girls and rape by counselors.
30. Welfare Cheats Blatantly Ripoff Taxpayers
Page 1994 - 221
In Seattle, KING-TV exposes welfare cheaters stealing millions of dollars which are
intended for the poor.
31. Mysterious Illnesses Strike Gulf War Vets, Wives and Babies
Page 1994 - 229
First, there were reports of fatigue, rashes and headaches. Next, came reports of
gynecological problems and babies born with problems ranging from chronic infections and
respiratory illness to birth defects.
32. Helping Viewers Earn More and Keep More of Their Money
Page 1994 - 237
Financial projects drew a good response. In Nashville, WSMV-TV ran a month-long project
dedicated to helping viewers get the most for their money. In New York, WNBC-TV went to
three of the best financial minds in the business and asked them what they would do with
$1,000 to invest.
33. Preparing For Fall: Upgrade and Improve
Page 1994 - 245
News executives in many markets re-examined their content and coverage in hopes of better
meeting the viewers' needs.
34. Newsgathering 1994: Plan and Enterprise Stories
Page 1994 - 253
Producing the material needed for quality news programs.
35. Newsgathering 1994: Systems That Work
Page 1994 - 261
Running the desk is a tough job. Lighten the desk's burden by reviewing systems and
strategies that are working for other news managers.
36. Detroit Hero Is Arrested After Live Interview
Page 1994 - 269
Civil rights activist Rosa Parks was beaten in her Detroit apartment. Two men recognized
the robber and made a citizen's arrest. Then, the FBI recognized one hero as an
embezzlement suspect. Do you confront the hero who has agreed to come to your station for
a live interview about the first incident?
37. Pittsburgh Plane Crash:
Scrambling For Facts, Video
Page 1994 - 275
It's a challenge to quickly gather accurate information and scene video --- and present it
live with as much sensitivity as is possible.
38. Talent Business Is Booming: Good Men Are Hard To Find
Page 1994 - 283
An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 jobs were open as stations across the country added news and
changed their affiliations.
39 & 40. Affiliation Swap: Kansas City Changes
Page 1994 - 291
In just two months: 50 hires and local news was expanded to 7 hours a day at WDAF-TV. At
KSHB-TV, the news staff was growing from 20 to 70. Two others --- KMBC-TV and KCTV-TV ---
promoted a message of stability.
41. Children and Family, Pt. 1:
Stations Add Special Features
Page 1994 - 303
In Milwaukee, children are taught to be street smart and beware of dangers.
42. Children and Family, Part II: Stations Add Special Features
Page 1994 - 311
In Providence, WJAR-TV develops a Family Matters franchise covering issues of
children, foster care, and the state's system for handling troubled youth. In Boston,
WCVB-TV begins a segment on issues of interest to working parents.
43. Lexington Disturbance: News Crews Become Targets
Page 1994 - 319
During a civil disturbance, the police chief calls newsrooms with the warning that the
word on the street is that a newsperson will be shot. A crew in an unmarked car was
subsequently fired on by a gunman with a high-powered rifle.
44. Hometown Weather Channels: Local Information Anytime
Page 1994 - 327
Local weather channels are being rolled out. They feature a mix of roughly 80% hometown
information and 20% national.
45. Covering a Mother's Story --- When You Suspect She's a Killer
Page 1994 - 335
Despite previous questions and suspicions, people were shocked when the sheriff of Union
County, South Carolina, announced the search for Michael and Alex Smith was over. Their
bodies had been recovered from the family's Mazda which was submerged in a lake. Their
mother was arrested. She had allegedly murdered her 3-year-old and 14-month-old sons. News
executives faced many sensitive issues while directing coverage of this emotional story.
46. Beating Oprah With News For
Younger Women
Page 1994 - 343
By providing relevant, important information to the available audience, news managers at
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, have developed a newscast that consistently beats syndicated
powerhouse, Oprah.
47. Discovering and Exposing A
Child Porn Ring
Page 1994 - 351
In Vancouver, a television news team searched for child pornography, found it --- and
stimulated police to break up the largest known operation of its kind in the history of
British Columbia.
48. Stations Produce
Informational Tapes For Newcomers
Page 1994 - 359
Video and print brochures are combined to explain the market to people moving in from
other areas.
49. Upgrade Your Videography: Six Quick Steps To Success
Page 1994 - 367
The National Press Photographers Association News Video workshop is one effective approach
to helping your people grow. There are also fundamental steps you can take.
50. KING 5 Inside:
Behind The Scenes In Seattle
Page 1994 - 375
Investigations expose hometown headaches.
Television News 1993
1. 1993: The Year For Building And Rebuilding
Page 1993 - 1
More interactive newscasts and new information programs will be created. Newscasts will be
more tightly targeted to the audience available. Zapping will continue to erode viewer
loyalty.
2. 1993: Spending Dollars Wisely, Investing in Your People
Page 1993 - 9
Invest in your human capital. The hard news of the day is the viewer's focus. Research
your competitors' fringe viewers.
3. Hot Medical Topics: Strengthen Your Coverage
Page 1993 - 17
Health care reform and AIDS top list. Association spokespersons pick the subjects they
expect will draw substantial media interest.
4. Successful Series: Expanded
Projects That Work
Page 1993 - 25
Homeless school children. Caught! A rape suspect. Stalkers. Jobs. Insurance Fraud. Rural
doctors. Cops on the beat.
5. Helping Our Children: Raising Millions For Schools
Page 1993 - 33
This project starts out as a promotion, but ends up a crusade, according to one organizer.
6. Your Television and Appliances Could Increase Your Chances of Contracting Cancer
Page 1993 - 41
Is electromagnetic radiation linked to leukemia, brain cancers, lymphoma and more?
7. Clinton Town Hall: The President and The People
Page 1993 - 49
It's a big project when you're hosting the nation's chief executive, the Secret Service,
the national media representatives and regular citizens for a live televised forum.
8. Jobs and Money: Helping Viewers Cope
Page 1993 - 57
Stations undertake ambitious campaigns to help their viewers survive hard times.
9. New Techniques for Gauging
Viewer Reaction
Page 1993 - 65
During a presidential speech, 330 persons reacted by computer in San Francisco. In Toledo,
voice response technology is used to poll a panel of community leaders. In Detroit, the
Perception Analyzer measures a presidential performance. In Decatur, a truth team is
assembled.
10 & 11. Trade Center
Blast: Terror in New York
Page 1993 - 73
People were killed and injured as terrorists struck in Manhattan. Television transmitters
were knocked out.
12. Local Investigations: Mattress Dangers and Ripoffs, Spoiled Food, Filthy
Restaurants
Page 1993 - 85
The consumer should be very much aware.
13. Blizzard of '93: Extended
Storm Coverage
Page 1993 - 93
Forecasters called it "the storm of the century." Preparation and planning were
the keys to coverage.
14. Planning For May: Fourteen
Crime Series
Page 1993 - 101
Viewers are very aware they are living in a world that is becoming much more dangerous,
and they want help.
15. Sweeps Series: Finances,
Families and Lifestyles
Page 1993 - 109
There are many challenges to survive and flourish in the 90s.
16. Reporter-Photographer: Expanded Use Ahead?
Page 1993 - 117
The person who fills this job will be able to photograph a story and write about it.
17. Covering Waco: ATF Tip to Final Fire
Page 1993 - 125
This long, costly drama was covered daily for nearly two months.
18. Local Morning News: Importance Keeps Growing
Page 1993 - 133
The daypart where news expansion has occurred the most recently is mornings --- weekdays
and weekends.
19. Ohio Prison Riot: When
Television is Part of the Story
Page 1993 - 141
News executives were, you might say, taken hostage when 450 inmates took over a prison,
and demanded free air time to say whatever they felt like.
20. Ripping Off The Taxpayers: Exposing Government Waste
Page 1993 - 149
Wasteful and unnecessary spending by elected and appointed officials infuriates the
helpless person paying the bill.
21. May Projects and Reports: Bad Docs to Good Weather
Page 1993 - 157
Details of successful series.
22. Health Care Project: Cancer, Drug Prices, Alternatives
Page 1993 - 163
These projects updated health questions that are vital to viewers.
23. Children Threatened by
Violence, Sex, Cults
Page 1993 - 171
Youngsters bring manufactured and homemade weapons to school. A twelve-year-old rents an
X-rated video. A church deacon is charged with molesting a seven- year-old. A cult's
followers are instructed to chant for sex, drugs and cars.
24. AP Supplemental Licenses: Pay the Increase, Switch, Or Create New Services?
Page 1993 - 179
Executives in Louisiana consider alternatives to paying more for their Associated Press
service.
25. Retransmission Deals: Stations Opt For Cable Channels
Page 1993 - 185
Negotiations lead to stations creating second channels.
26. Regional News Consortium Studied in Louisiana
Page 1993 - 193
News executives review practical options if they dropped the Associated Press because of
increased fees.
27. Tuning Up Your Topicals: Promotion That Hits The Mark
Page 1993 - 201
Fundamental questions to test the strength of your appeals.
28. Government Waste: A Winning Series Idea
Page 1993 - 209
In Seattle, KOMO-TV begins You Paid For It. In Boston, WHDH-TV exposes Statehouse spending
nonsense. In Albany, WNYT-TV begins a feature on taxpayers' dollars. In Oregon, KTVL-TV
makes clear the choices in state spending. In Binghamton, WBNG- TV shows viewers how to
fight back when the tax appraiser comes around.
29. Midwest Flooding: Worst In Years
Page 1993 - 217
Rivers overflow. Drinking water contaminated. Backup systems fail. Gas generators do the
job. Stations open victim hotlines, launch fundraising efforts. News crews faced risks
walking through contaminated water.
30. Thousands Participate in Breast Cancer Checks
Page 1993 - 225
The Buddy Check program encourages women to do self-examinations.
31. Showdown With Cable: Aggressive Challenge In Texas
Page 1993 - 233
Three broadcasters in Wichita Falls band together to produce a half-hour program malting
their retransmission arguments directly to the viewers.
32. Violent Juveniles Drive Ongoing Crime Wave
Page 1993 - 241
Politicians and judges talk about solutions in education and prevention, while the
criminals --- many of them young--- shoot, burn, rape and rob each other and an unending
list of victims.
33. Retransmission Consent- The Deadline Draws Near
Page 1993 - 249
Stations are notified they'll be taken off cable systems. In Bristol, WCYB-TV's campaign
ranges from on-air spots to community rallies. A Texas station proposes cable establish a
free local station service. In Boston, three stations' executives meet with local cable
board directors.
34. Adding Newscasts: More Stations Expanding
Page 1993 - 257
Expansion in early morning, lunch hour, afternoon, and weekends.
35. Family Values Under Attack, Deadbeat Dads, Escorts Flourish
Page 1993 - 265
Concerned parents wonder whether there is anything they can do, or are they being
overwhelmed by social forces that can't be stopped.
36. Freedom From Smoking: High Impact Series
Page 1993 - 273
Viewer interest is seen as ratings spike during anti-smoking project.
37. Upgrading Content: Weather, Investigations, In-Depth Projects
Page 1993 - 279
News managers push to maximize presentation of the information that is critical to their
viewers. Increased "viewer payback" is the goal.
38. First Video: Digitized Video Via Cell Phone
Page 1993 - 287
An Oklahoma company has developed a computer system that digitizes video and transmits it
back to the television station via cellular telephones.
39. Tragedy In The Delta
Page 1993 - 295
Amtrak's Sunset Limited derailed in a murky Alabama bayou. The early morning disaster was
nearly inaccessible.
40. Retransmission Consent: Analyzing the Impact
Page 1993 - 303
Most stations stay on cable. Many undisclosed cash deals. Survey: subscribers blame cable
for loss of programs. Fighting back: did it work?
41. When Hometown Cable Does Its Own News
Page 1993 - 311
In Rochester, the hometown cable system expands its nightly news programming to five
hours.
42. Take Time For Polly: Child
Abduction Theme Show
Page 1993 - 319
A young girl was abducted at knifepoint. In San Francisco, executives at KRON-TV decided
to devote most of a 6 p.m. news to a full review of the case with a major five remote.
43. Automated Weather Source: Neighborhood Conditions Now
Page 1993 - 327
Computerized access of specific local weather can tie together environment, academia,
broadcasting and sponsorship in one good package.
44. Partners With Newsradio: Expanding Your Resources
Page 1993 - 335
Newsgathering cooperation helps both partners.
45. Protecting Your Crews In A Violent Society
Page 1993 - 343
Drug dealers attack crew. A growing problem for the press.
46. Integrating Newsroom
Systems: More Flexibility For Users
Page 1993 - 349
In Fort Myers, WINK-TV is testing a new computer system. The goal is to make the newsroom
equipment as flexible and powerful as the equipment people have at home.
47 & 48. Stop The Violence: Youngsters Out of Control
Page 1993 - 357
Broadcasters help stop the violence. A Winston-Salem project included a series, several
city events and a vigil. Hartford sees violence spread from city schools to the suburbs.
Shootings on Texas school campuses. Why youngsters are joining gangs and what parents can
do. Gang members speak for themselves. Six town meetings underway simultaneously.
49. Stop The Violence: Probing The Causes
Page 1993 - 371
In New York, WNBC's "Guns of November" devoted a month to reporting on the
prevalence and the impact of firearms.
50. Avoid The Violence: Defusing Explosive Situations
Page 1993 - 378
In Boston, WBZ-TV has created vignettes showing viewers typical confrontations which can
erupt in anger. People are urged to think and try an alternative reasonable response.
Television News 1992
1. 1992: Breakthrough or Bust?
Page 1992 - 1
Aggressive stations will expand newscasts, despite recession. Focus on information public
needs. Provide answers, not just facts.
2. 1992: Breakthrough or Bust Part II
Page 1992 - 8
Strategies for surviving and flourishing in 1992.
3. Reaching New Viewers, Generating New Revenues
Page 1992 - 17
WTOC-TV, Savannah publishes a free, quarterly newspaper. It made the difference between
having a good year and having a mediocre year.
4. Children's Programing: An Opportunity For News
Page 1992 - 25
Reaching young people with locally produced programs.
5. Sexual Diseases Special
Attracts Large Audience
Page 1992 - 33
AIDS isn't the only serious sexually transmitted disease.
6. Dahmer Trial: Expanded
Coverage Options
Page 1992 - 41
The sanity trial of a serial killer was covered with specials, updates, and live
gavel-to-gavel broadcasts in Milwaukee.
7. Military Plane Crash: Winning the Story
Page 1992 - 49
A National Guard plane crashes into a hotel and restaurant in Evansville.
8. Homegrown Campaigns and Projects
Page 1992 - 55
Stations develop their own community service projects.
9. The Recession: Dominating The Story
Page 1992 - 63
Many viewers have seen significant changes in their personal financial situations. Several
news departments tried to help.
10. Enterprise Stories: Scientology To Privacy
Page 1992 - 71
Investigations strengthen series. Mind control and Scientology. Dangerous Mexico. Teens
Mob Malls. Living On Food Stamps. Farmers Struggle to Survive. Mind Your Own Business.
11. Dueling Series: TV Anchors
Pose As Homeless
Page 1992 - 79
In St. Louis, two stations worked on the same high-profiles series at the same time. News
managers had to react quickly.
12. Parenting Advice: Sex Education To Discipline
Page 1992 - 87
The only thing tougher than being a child today is being a parent raising a child today.
13. Newscast of Tomorrow: Working To Break The Mold
Page 1992 - 93
In Miami, WTVJ-TV tries a news show with a "facilitator" moving around the
newsroom interacting with reporters.
14. Weekend Morning News: Keys To Success
Page 1992 - 101
News managers explain how they've built successful news programs on Saturday and Sunday
mornings.
15. Talent Trends: The New Realities
Page 1992 - 109
Talent must do more. Attitude and background are being checked fully. Shop leaders are
sought.
16. Humanizing The Health Care Crisis
Page 1992 - 117
Medical costs are growing much faster than inflation, pressing people, government and the
health care industry.
17. Covering The Big Strike: Community Tensions High
Page 1992 - 125
Thousands of union members strike Caterpillar. The company threatens to hire replacements.
News executives in Peoria direct coverage of an ongoing story where reports may be
challenged as biased by the emotionally involved viewers.
18. HIV In The Newsroom: When the Epidemic Hits Home
Page 1992 - 133
How an assignment manager explained to his colleagues that he has lived with the HIV virus
for seven years.
19. Special Edition Newscasts: Reaching Large Audiences
Page 1992 - 139
Special newscasts produced to run after NBA playoff games hold viewers for KPNX-TV,
Phoenix.
20. Los Angeles Riots: The Verdict No One Expected
Page 1992 - 147
News executive challenges after a jury turns in an explosive decision. Motorists pulled
from their cars. Buildings set afire. How do you cover the story while not making it
worse?
21. A Glimmer of Hope: Is It The Recovery?
Page 1992 - 155
Advertising picks up in hard times.
22. Election Eve Scandal: How Much Do You Report?
Page 1992 - 161
Four days before the West Virginia primary, WCHS-TV, Charleston aired two women's
accusations of sexual harassment against a candidate for Attorney General.
23. Road To Recovery: Helping Viewers Be Part of It
Page 1992 - 169
Soliciting jobs and helping your audience link up with them.
24. Maximize Your Polling Investment
Page 1992 - 177
A statewide polling project at KATU-TV, Portland adds explanation and perspective during a
successful May book.
25. May Investigations
Page 1992 - 185
Criminals of tomorrow in juvenile court today. People filled with hate respond to
Hitler-like messages. School fire exits chained. Dangerous, infuriating drivers.
26. Prime Time News Magazine:
Creating a "News Friendly" Lead-in - Page 1992 - 193
In Seattle, KING-TV experiments with producing a serious prime time news program.
27. Community Involvement: Team 4 Volunteers
Page 1992 - 201
In St. Louis, KMOV-TV creates a volunteer army to undertake community service.
28. Gunman Surrenders To Television Station in Texas
Page 1992 - 207
A spectator in a Fort Worth courtroom fires 17 rounds from his 9mm handgun. Two attorneys
were killed. Two judges wounded. And, he showed up at the front desk at WFAA-TV.
29. Cross Affiliate Sharing Contributes to Perot Snafu
Page 1992 - 215
Same image on two channels the first time Ross Perot ends his presidential campaign.
30. Challenge Ahead: Preparing For Fall
Page 1992 - 223
Find more ways to actively engage viewers' attention. Fine- tune news content to better
match viewers' interests. Building a bigger early evening news audience. Gain control of
your own destiny. Stem declining HUTs at 11. Expanding news. Investigative reporting
yields important results.
31. Positioning For Survival: The News Channel
Page 1992 - 231
In Oklahoma City, KFOR-TV undertakes an ambitious expansion hoping to become the dominant
news and information source for their area.
32. Serial Killers: Jailhouse Interview, Special Program
Page 1992 - 239
Two television stations make an extra effort to cover high profile crimes. In New York,
WNBC-TV talks with a man accused of killing six young women. In Hamilton, CHCH-TV produced
a 90 minute special.
33. Research Today: Trying To Keep Up With An Ever-Shifting Audience
Page 1992 - 247
With the viewing public volatile, it is a challenge to determine what they want and need
--- and what you can do to serve and attract them.
34. Campaign '92: Stand Apart
Page 1992 - 255
It is hard to rise above the rhetoric and the routine. This was the story of several
stations' special political projects.
35. Covering Andrew: Huge
Hurricane Hits South
Page 1992 - 263
Broadcasters worked hard to inform their viewers of the dangers and then to help the
public afterwards.
36. AIDS Special: 24 Hours In
The City
Page 1992 - 271
A program on WCVB-TV, Boston produced a thumbnail sketch of the community's understanding
of AIDS.
37. Growing Up Great: Family Values, Plus Revenues
Page 1992 - 277
A public service campaign to help parents help their children to grow up safe and healthy.
38. Meeting the Challenge: The Staff Is Key
Page 1992 - 285
Asking people to do more.
39. Tense Neighborhoods:
What Do You Report?
Page 1992 - 291
Lessons learned covering Devil's Night in Detroit. How to avoid being part of the problem
when there are deep community tensions.
40. Grow Your Own: Producing Good Producers
Page 1992 - 299
A followup to a popular workshop at RTNDA. Good producers are hard to find.
41 & 42. Special Report: Weekend Morning News
Page 1992 - 307
The list of stations producing weekend morning news is growing. How do you do it
economically? Is there room for more than one station? Is it economically feasible in
every market?
43. Big Economic Story: General Motors In Turmoil
Page 1992 - 323
When General Motors directors ousted CEO Robert Stempel, Detroit stations had to cover a
major story with major players avoiding the media.
44. Helping Viewers Deal With The Fragile Economy
Page 1992 - 331
Sweeps series: Love and Money, Ways to Save, Dollars and Sense.
45. Child Lures: Protecting Our
Children
Page 1992 - 339
A syndicated series shows parents how to teach children to help themselves.
46. Noon Newscasts: Expanding To The Weekends
Page 1992 - 347
Some executives have added Saturday and Sunday noon shows as an extension of their weekend
morning commitment.
47. Pre-empting The Network: Going Local 7 to 9 a.m.
Page 1992 - 355
WJBK-TV, Detroit and WAGA-TV, Atlanta increase ratings and revenue by pre-empting the CBS
Morning News.
48. Becoming Partners With The Telephone Company
Page 1992 - 363
In San Francisco, KRON-TV joins with Pacific Bell to develop a television-based community
information service.
49. The People Speak: Giving
Viewers Voice
Page 1992 - 371
In Syracuse, WIXT-TV developed a project to give viewers a voice and a chance to influence
elected officials.
50. Health Care Crisis 1993: Covering the Clinton Changes
Page 1992 - 379
Federal officials were debating a complex restructuring of American medical care. The
story was localized at home with a look at real people and how they were being impacted by
the current health system.
Television News 1991
1. 1991: Looking For New
Opportunities In The New Year
Page 1991 - 1
Push to develop new outlets for a station's news product. Look for more "instant
specials." Emphasis will be on hard news. News staffs must be more versatile than
ever.
2. 1991: Thriving In Hard Times
Page 1991 - 9
Build market share now. Stability of talent is important when money is tight. Reevaluate
franchises. Zero base your show.
3. Bay Area Backroads: Number
One Local Show
Page 1991 - 17
They go on the road to places which are open to the public and can be reached in a
reasonable time.
4. War! Local Stations Cover
The Home Front
Page 1991 - 25 The United States begins to liberate Kuwait.
5. Health Projects: Community Service, Generating Revenue
Page 1991 - 35
A Sacramento station produces its own weekly health program. A Baltimore station works
with a medical center to produce a cancer educational video.
6. Iraq Coverage: How Much Is Too Much?
Page 1991 - 43
As the weeks passed and the Gulf War continued, news executives had to decide how much
time to devote to the story.
7. Domestic Terrorism: Keeping Events In Perspective
Page 1991 - 51
Pipe bombs were attached to a multimillion gallon tank of highly volatile methanol in
Norfolk.
8. Producing News For An Independent
Page 1991 - 59
Two stations produce news programs that appear on another channel.
9. Dealing With Hostile
Newspaper Critics
Page 1991 - 67
They have a forum. Blunt the criticism with quality. An advocate for your viewer. The
impact on your image. Make your own points. The vicious critic.
10. War Deaths and Family Privacy
Page 1991 - 75
The information's release was sometimes nearly instantaneous. It was live from the war
zone. Hometown newspeople did their best to avoid intruding.
11. After The War: Surviving Economically, Techniques Which Worked
Page 1991 - 83
Sending a Reporter To Saudi Arabia. Spending to Be Noticed. More Live Interupts. More
Local Reaction to National News. Pool Arrangements.
12. War Fuels Viewer Demand For Important Stories
Page 1991 - 91
Strong Stations Helped. Holding New Viewers. War's Impact On Content. Make a Concentrated
Effort Each Day. The Task Ahead.
13. Covering The California
Water Crisis: From Drought To Jobs
Page 1991 - 99
Water and People. "What You Can Do." Extra Coverage: Specials, Series, Panels.
Regular Drought Feature. Other Drought Years.
14. Maintaining Excellence In Tough Times
Page 1991 - 107
RTNDA regional winners explain how they've maintained quality in the face of one of the
most difficult economic periods in the industry's history.
15. Hostages and Gunmen Shot To Death
Page 1991 - 115
Eight hour hostage drama ends with deaths of three hostages and three gunmen in
Sacramento. Gunmen Were Watching Television. Shootout Airs Live. Dealing With Police.
Public Response.
16. Overall Excellence Winners: Cutting Costs, Keeping Quality
Page 1991 - 123
Part Two of RTNDA regional winners' comments. Dollars and Quality. People Make the
Difference. Goal Setting. Management Awards Program. Regular Critiques Via Computer.
17. News Show In Access Draws Good Demos
Page 1991 - 129
The 7:30 Report, WBZ-TV, Boston. More Depth, More Perspective. Format and Show Log. The
Style. The New Viewers. The Sales Picture.
18. Handling The Telephones:
Maximizing Viewer Calls
Page 1991 - 137
The Most Important Tool. Missing The Call. Spot News Calls. Serving the Public. Getting
the Information. Answering The Calls.
19. The Indianapolis Story: Sliding Prime Time
Page 1991 - 145
WTHR Moves to 7-10 Prime. Expanding to an Hour at 10. WRTV Adds 10 p.m. News on an
Independent. Viewers Reaction.
20. May Projects: Series, Special Reports, Investigations
Page 1991 - 153
Things People Are Talking About. Series With News Ties. Beefing Up the 11. Holding Prime
Viewers. Using Pacemakers Given To Patients. A Child
Molester Talks. Escaping Jail, Killing and Robbing.
21. Medical Reporting: Keeping Costs Down, Visibility Up
Page 1991 - 161
A Team of Doctors. Non Broadcasters On Air. Increasing Exposure, Cross Promotion. The
Doctors' View. Many See Syndication As Cost Effective. Health As a Profit Center.
22. Longer Form Stories: Alternative To High Story Count Shows
Page 1991 - 169
The Provincial Complements 6 o'clock Show. Story Selection is Key. U News At Six, CKVU-TV,
Vancouver. Developing The Format. The Next Wave.
23. Behind Bars During New York Prison Riot
Page 1991 - 177
Inmates Demand Television Crew. Mobilizing Crews. Going Inside. Becoming Part of the
Story. Working Sources. Hostages Released.
24. The Summer of 1991: Tuning Up Newsroom Systems
Page 1991 - 183
Allocating Resources. Assessing Your People. Providing Feedback. Putting Emphasis On
Stories. Tuning In To The Audience.
25. Tuning Up Newsroom Systems: Part Two
Page 1991 - 191
Designing New Systems. Telling the Best Stories. Get The Most Out Of Your Newsroom
Computer. Polishing Writing. Concentrating on Content.
26. Dropping An 11 p.m.: Hardly A Trend
Page 1991 - 199
A time to re-trench at WLYH-TV, Lebanon.
27. Stretching Your Resources: Photographers Report Live
Page 1991 - 207
A New Live Look at WTVJ-TV, Miami. Experimenting With Spot News.
28. Reorganizing A Station: News Takes A Larger Role
Page 1991 - 215
A new chain of command at WTVT-TV, Tampa. Structure of The Future.
29. Frank Rizzo Dies: Instant Expanded Coverage
Page 1991 - 223
A Sudden Death. An Inside Source. Veteran Staffers Key.
30. Women, Health and TV. Medical Reporting In The 1990s
Page 1991 - 229
A nationwide poll concludes:
- Women of all ages are very interested in medical news.
- Cancer is the topic about which women want more coverage.
- More women say magazines are their prime source of medical information, placing
magazines ahead of television news.
31. Grisly Murders Capture Milwaukee's Attention
Page 1991 - 237
A Head In A Freezer. 24 Hour News Works. Talk Show Talks News. Anatomy of a Winning
Special. Digging Out the Details.
32. The 10 p.m. News: Reaching A Larger Audience
Page 1991 - 245
Higher HUTS. 10 & 11: Big Differences. Competitors See an Opportunity.
33. Summer of '91: Layoffs, Cutbacks and Sacrifices
Page 1991 - 253
When Layoffs are Inevitable. How to Tell People. Calming Staff Fears.
34. Men, Women, and Violence: Audience Interest High
Page 1991 - 261
Women Murdered By Lovers. Identifying Rape Victims. Acquaintance Rape. Men Deserting
Women. Sexual Issues Today.
35. Part-time Staffers: From Desk to Reporters
Page 1991 - 269
High Profile Jobs. 24 Hour News. Beware of Conflicts. Homegrown Research. Executing a
Project.
36. North Carolina Fire: Major Spot News In Remote Community
Page 1991 - 277 Identifying Victims. Deciding What to Air. A Previous Tragedy. Handling
the Initial Call.
37. More Political Spots Running Inside News
Page 1991 - 285
A successful experiment Ads May Cause Confusion. A Question of Damage Control.
38. 1992 Elections: Stations Cutting Back
Page 1991 - 291
Less Convention Coverage. Not Going in '92. Relying on Network Affiliations. Promote The
Difference.
39. Utah Hospital Employees: Gunman Watches Coverage
Page 1991 - 299
News Managers On The Spot. Hospital Official Lies. Executives' Reaction to Deception. Poor
Scene Management. Live Report Angers Gunman.
40. Local News: Today and Tomorrow. A Conversation With Jim Snyder.
Page 1991 - 307
A Bright Future. Living With Less. Career Advice.
41. Competing With The Tabloids: Liz's Wedding
Page 1991 - 315
Press Not Welcome. Heavy Air Traffic. Complaints of Noise. Tabloid journalism. Privacy to
the Extreme.
42. Texas Massacre: On The Scene Within Minutes
Page 1991 - 323
Video Used By Others. Sharing With Partners.
43. The Oakland Fire: Viewers
Watch It Burn
Page 1991 - 331
Live Continuous Coverage. News Car Burned. Coverage Logistics. Limited Towers Restrict
Remotes. Sustaining Live Coverage.
44. November Series: Advice Central To Viewers' Lives
Page 1991 - 339
Changing Realities. Coming to America. A Survival Guide. Tapping Into Viewer Concerns.
Pregnancy After Cancer. Cancer: Countdown to a Cure.
45. Parental Scholastic
Attitude Test
Page 1991 - 345
How parents can help their children mature successfully.
46. Helping Viewers Survive The Recession
Page 1991 - 353
Bargain of the Week. Personal Profiles in Money Management. Ten Great Ideas. Cheap Eats.
Cashing Out.
47. Partnerships With Other Media
Page 1991 - 361
Sharing with Newspapers. Suburban Papers Tending Up. Radio Partnerships. New Ground Rules.
More Reporters on the Street.
48. Local Investigations in Seattle
Page 1991 - 369
Investigating the Hustles. Riding with Domino's Pizza.
49. Chicago Live: News and Information at 9 a.m.
Page 1991 - 375
Live and Local. Using Existing Resources. Show Logs.
50. Crime Projects: Fighting Back
Page 1991 - 383
Helping viewers deal with their own security.
Television News 1990
1. Preparing for Change: Get Set for the 1990s
Page 1990 - 1
Upgrading morning news. News at different times. Compelling stories. Building an
institution.
2. Preparing for Change: Part Two
Page 1990 - 9
Cable partnerships. Reaching today's viewers. The environment. Rejuvenate your franchises.
Fine tuning.
3. The VHS Market: News Tapes For Home Viewing
Page 1990 - 17 Producing a tape. Distributing it. Refining your system. Television News
VHS Productions.
4. Exploring New Revenues: Selling Weather Information
Page 1990 - 25
The commercial side. Getting started.
5. Making the Most of Access: Producing New Local Programs
Page 1990 - 33
A revamped "PM Magazine' with a harder edge. A news/information show for 7 p.m.
Designing a new format.
6. Early Morning News: Reaching an Increasingly Important Audience
Page 1990 - 41
A growth area. Is there room for more shows? Morning radio on television. Breaking
traditions.
7. Expanding the Early Morning News
Page 1990 - 49
Morning viewing patterns. Staffing. Pleasing personalities. Live reports.
8. Early Morning News: Overnight and On Weekends
Page 1990 - 57
News overnight. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Increased staffing. Weekend viewers.
Expanding your product.
9. Capitalizing on the Home Video Boom
Page 1990 - 65
Amateur news shooters. Training for stringers. Starting up a program. Shooting high school
sports. Dubbing policies. Keeping interest high. Protecting your copyright.
10. Anti-Drugs Shows Simulcast on Local Stations
Page 1990 - 73
Dallas simulcast draws viewers. Ohio roadblock. Putting competition aside. Working
together. Show content. Year-long psa campaign.
11. Current Series: Special Projects for February
Page 1990 - 81
The garbage glut. Classic cons. Deadly new drugs. Ageless schemes. Leisure and recreation.
The future.
12. Holding the Late News Audience: Techniques Which Are Working
Page 1990 - 87
Targeting topical promotion. The Night Team. News Extra. Series at 11.
13. Getting the Most From Student Interns
Page 1990 - 95
Dozens of extra hands. Valuable research help. Teaching tomorrow's newspeople. Hands on
experience. Paid internships.
14. Investigative Series: Award Winners, Part One
Page 1990 - 101
Digging for great stories. Searched because Choosing the leads with multiple shows.
15. Investigative Series: Award Winners, Part Two
Page 1990 - 109
Toxics around us. Data is available. Using the morgue. The alar scare. Hanging by a
thread. 911. Cockfighting: dead birds, loose money.
16. Helping Viewers Keep Children Alive and Healthy
Page 1990 - 117
First time mothers. Preemies struggle for life. Children and surgery.
17. Desktop Publishing: Producing Inexpensive Mailers In- House
Page 1990 - 125
Slick-looking news mailers. Trading for equipment. A sales tool, too. Equipment in demand.
Getting started.
18. Upgrading Topical Promotion: Getting Ready for Sweeps
Page 1990 - 133
Pulling them in. Differentiating your product. Topical checklist. News times and new
strategies.
19. Life After Earth Day: Environmental Reporting Continues
Page 1990 - 141
Solution-oriented reporting. Interest remains strong. A year-long approach. Continuing
projects.
20. Avoiding the Pitfalls of joint Cable Ventures
Page 1990 - 147
Increasing sampling. 24 hour news presence. Taking care of your own viewers. Negotiating a
deal. The New Orleans experiment.
21. The Lead Story: Capturing the Viewer's Interest
Page 1990 - 155
Managers supervise leads. Bringing it to air. The "good evening" test. Good
leads. Anticipate tomorrow's lead this afternoon. Beating the zappers. Packaging the lead.
273
22. The Changing News Lineups: Localized Inserts, Added News Programs
Page 1990 - 163
Regionalized news inserts. Bureau produces insert. On cable at 10, on the air at 11. New
revenues. 24-hour news: step one. Live midnight newscast. All News Channel.
23. The 1991 Budget: Spending Wisely
Page 1990 - 171
Tie expenses to revenues. Produce new local programs. Share when practical. Cut travel
expenses. Hire out-of-town crews. Advance planning. Controlling fixed costs. Hidden costs.
Cost centers.
24. American Obsession: Dying to be Thin
Page 1990 - 179
Dangerous diets. Viewers provide leads. Dramatic personal stories. Rating the diets. The
last diet your ever need. Gourmet meals, live on set.
25. Hard News Draws More Viewers
Page 1990 - 186
Cutting soft stuff. Make it worthwhile. Place features carefully. Live at five. "In
Person" gives a strong showing. Evening Newswatch.
26. Spot News: Getting the Most From Your Scanners
Page 1990 - 195
Successful monitoring. Focus your listening. Train your staff. More listeners, more leads.
Have an open scanner. Expand monitored frequencies. Coping with 800 megahertz. A
professional tipster. Reliable Information.
27. Victory Aftermath: Seven Killed, News Crew Attacked
Page 1990 - 203
Gunfire and stabbings follow Detroit win in NBA playoffs. Reporter injured. Keeping crews
safe. Community reaction. Ballplayer story is controversial.
28. The Zodiac: Covering a Serial Criminal
Page 1990 - 211
Finding new leads. An on-air plea. Triggering more crimes. Task force doubles. A team
approach.
29. Covering the Big Events: Making or Breaking Your Reputation
Page 1990 - 219
Building your reputation. Capturing the audience. A good predictor. Carving out an image.
Be comprehensive, but sensitive. Give-it-to-me now.
30. Local News Sets of the 1990s
Page 1990 - 227
Displaying the product. Taking chances. Creative solutions. A whole new look. A fresh face
for fall.
31. Cutting the Budget: When Is It Dangerous?
Page 1990 - 235
The long-term outlook. A commitment to news. Get the big picture. Develop a plan. Dropping
news shows. Spending wisely. Justify every expense. Better days may be ahead.
32. Consumer Reporting: Resisting Advertiser Pressure, Keeping It Fresh
Page 1990 - 243
A popular feature. Topics are plentiful. An issue of fairness. Getting action for viewers.
33. Ahead of the News Curve: Breaking Stories
Page 1990 - 249
Create teams to break and enterprise stories. Extra details, extra facts. Assign
responsibility. Plug into what viewers are talking about. Groom your sources.
34. Producing Custom Newscasts For Cable Viewers
Page 1990 - 257
Producing regional newscasts. "Citycast" for city viewers. An experiment.
Regional news well-received.
35. 24-Hour News Part One: How It's Working
Page 1990 - 265
News image improves. Viewers see updates as "useful." When the competition
starts updates. Competing for the image. The element of surprise.
36. 24-Hour News Part Two: Making It Work For You
Page 1990 - 273
The revenue picture. Updating a big story. Meaningful information. Don't hold news.
Streamline the process. Checklist for success.
37. Serial Killer Terrorizes Florida Students
Page 1990 - 281
Fact vs. speculation. The gory details. Pre-arrest publicity. Regional cooperatives. Live
news conferences. Credibility of police.
38. Localizing Iraq: Live, Strategy Boards, Greetings
Page 1990 - 287
Live from Arabia. Desert reporting is difficult. Messages home. Local features. Shaping
distinctive coverage. Strategy board. "Sound Off." Greetings.
39. Maximizing On Air Presentation
Page 1990 - 295
Real people. Less talent at the entry level. After the coach is gone.
40. Stretching Your Resources: Adding Responsibilities
Page 1990 - 303
Working harder. Covering more news. Increasing productivity. Executives lend a hand. More
selective coverage. Using bureaus.
41. Earthquake Prediction: Midwest Stations Prepare for Potential Disaster
Page 1990 - 311
Earthquake possible soon. An exclusive interview. Preparing the station. Preparing
viewers.
42. Live Hostage Coverage: What
Do You Report?
Page 1990 - 319
Did coverage endanger lives? Public safety vs. telling the story. Police-media confusion.
Drawn into the drama. A need for guidelines? The hostages' letter.
43. Special Projects and Series for Fall
Page 1990 - 327
Presumed guilty. Motown: Where Did Our Love Go? Sentencing patterns. Black Cleveland. When
television was young. The needs of children.
44. Your Changing Audience: Women of the 90s
Page 1990 - 335
Today's women. Women's interest inventory. A mature look. Clear voices. Getting in touch
with viewers.
45. Sex and Politics: The Candidate and the Girls
Page 1990 - 343
Nude swimming. The allegations. Wild rumors. A battle for scoops. Specials, live cut-ins.
The resignation.
46. New Cable Channel: 24 Hour Regional News
Page 1990 - 349
Their plan. Local,local news, too. Competing with yourself?
47. Charitable Causes: How Far Should You Go?
Page 1990 - 357
Helping sick children. Beware of frauds. Collecting funds. A daily staple.
48. The 1982 Recession: How They Covered It
Page 1990 - 365
Economic fears grow. How to get a job. Hunger in Maryland. Shifting gears. On the road:
unemployed. The Broke Test. Stories which worked. Series.
49. Sweeps Series and Projects: Iraq, Personal Safety, Health
Page 1990 - 373
With the troops. The new Germany. Protecting yourself. To shoot or not to shoot. Parenting
advice. Medical Waste. Memory loss. Desk jockeys.
50. Producing A Prime Time Newscast For An Independent
Page 1990 - 381
WNEP-TV, Scranton plans a show which will air on an independent station.
Television News 1989
1. The Decade Ahead: Meeting the Challenge of the 1990s
Page 1989 - 1
Conquering New Technologies. Different News Times. Maximize What You Have. Saving The Late
Evening. Clear Identity is Mandatory. Content Changes.
2. Surviving 1989: Strategies For Adapting To Change
Page 1989 - 9
More Efficient, More Effective. More With Less.
3. Personal Counseling Advice Pulls Strong Response
Page 1989 - 17
Mental Health as a Regular Feature. Psychological information and advice as presented on
KENS-TV, San Antonio. Optimistic Tone. Print Re-Inforcement.
4. Number One In the Morning: Thirty Years of Success
Page 1989 - 25
How they do it on "The Good Morning Show" of WFMY-TV, Greensboro. Local As The
Dirt. Friendly Tone. School Closings Station. The Format.
5. Miami Riots: News Vehicles
Burn, Crews Attacked
Page 1989 - 33
News cars burned, crews roughed up. Setting a Tone of Control. Getting It Right.
Concerned, but Calm. Personal Safety Specifics.
6. "Dimension" Segment Draws New Viewers
Page 1989 - 41
Devoting the second block of the ten o'clock news to just one expanded story at WCCO-TV,
Minneapolis.
7. The Big Chill: Below Zero and Out Gathering The News
Page 1989 - 49
From Alaska down through the Dakotas. Low Temperatures, Long Distances. Staffer's Health
and Safety. Keeping the Gear Going.
8. Computer Tampering: How Secure Is Your System?
Page 1989 - 55
Is it a case of intense competition --- or is it a crime? An incident in Florida. Advice
on keeping your newsroom system as secure as possible.
9. At The Edge of Gridlock:
Traffic Congestion
Page 1989 - 63
Advocating mass transit at KPIX-TV, San Francisco. The Stories. Promotion Is Central.
Bumper Sticker Survey.
10. Focus On Family: A Kinder, Gentler Newscast
Page 1989 - 71
Help with Parenting. How a family protects its youngest and older members is important to
many, many viewers.
11. Lean Times Continue: Painless Ways to Economize
Page 1989 - 79
Getting a Handle on the Budget. Cutting Non-Essential O.T. Costly Extra Workers. Sharing
Expenses. Streamlining Management. Getting More Work Done.
12. Exploring New Times: 24-Hour News Updates
Page 1989 - 87
News reports around the clock at KMOV-TV, St. Louis
13. Preparing For May: Winning Series and Projects
Page 1989 - 93
Medical Makeovers. Perks and Pleasures of the State Lawmaker. Unpaid Tickets.
14. Drugs In The Capitol: Washington Stations Attack The Problem
Page 1989 - 101
Drug Free Zones Project of WRC-TV The Suburban Connection. Nightly Anti-Drug Show of
WTTG-TV
15. Religion Project Attracts Audience
Page 1989 - 109
Two surveys provided hard information for WDEF-TV, Chattanooga.
16. Upgrading Your Staff: Reporting Workshop
Page 1989 - 117
Helping Reporters Excel. Breaking Through. Shaping A Career.
17. The Audio Connection: Using Radio
Page 1989 - 125
Simulcasting experiments: television managers try to reach listeners who may become
viewers. Cooperative news agreements help create networks of skilled stringers.
18. Rare Spot News: Department Store Bomber, Flying Prison Break
Page 1989 - 133
A daring prison break attempt in Miami. A tragic department store bombing in Indianapolis.
19. High Impact Stories: Consumer Topics Still Going Strong
Page 1989 - 139
Deceptive Food Labels. Violent Videos. Abandoned Grandparents. Drunks Ignore License
Suspensions. Employment Services. Recalls and Service Contracts. Secret Warranties.
20. Ethnic, Economic Fears Spark Woodlands Conflict
Page 1989 - 147
Indians and rural whites battle in the woods of northern Wisconsin. A sensitive story
which is particularly difficult to cover because of the great distances and the remoteness
of it all.
21. The Environment: Fragile --- Handle With Care
Page 1989 - 153
Expanded projects on health and environment. Trash problems.
22. Crimefighting Today: Pursuits, Drugs, Unsolved Cases
Page 1989 - 161
Police pursuit policies. Anti-drug programs. Spotlighting unsolved crimes.
23. Diesel: Fuel For Fear
Page 1989 - 169
Linked to lung cancer, bladder cancer, and perhaps even heart disease.
24. New Cable Partnership: 24 Hour Local News
Page 1989 - 177
In New Orleans, WWL-TV commits to an all news channel.
25. Growing Up: Good Kids and Bad Kids and Tough Times
Page 1989 - 185
Murder, Brutality, Children Detached from Their Parents. Pregnancy. Driving. Gangs
Gathering.
26. Bringing In New People: Images and Education
Page 1989 - 193
Creating a Public Relations Plan to Promote the Talent. Teaching Them the Market --- What
Most of the Viewers Know Already.
27. Keeping Your Ku-Truck Out of The Shop and On The Road
Page 1989 - 201
Designated Operators. On The Road. Preventive Maintenance.
28. The Pete Rose Story: Betting, Bookies, and Baseball
Page 1989 - 209
Covering a hometown hero who allegedly wanted to store cocaine in his home and bet on
baseball.
29. Reaching New Audiences With Local Information Shows
Page 1989 - 217
A new show of career advice and information. A new show aimed at the person over 40 years
old.
30. How He Does It: Bob Ryan's
Weather Almanac
Page 1989 - 223
Publishing a comprehensive weather guide can establish your people as the information
source for weather.
31. Cellular Phones: Multi-Purpose News Tool
Page 1989 - 231
Technology which is improving newsgathering.
32. Dealing With The Military: Ten Steps To Better Coverage
Page 1989 - 239
Methods of mining a base for news when the top officials are inclined to keep quiet.
33. Chasing the Childsnatchers: Information For Parents
Page 1989 - 247
Help and Advice to Prevent Kidnappings, A KRON-TV Project.
34. Death of a Congressman: Reporting From Ethiopia
Page 1989 - 253
When a well-known leader vanishes and dies half way around the world.
35. RUNDOWN POLL: TELEVISION NEWS IN THE 1990's
Page 1989 - 261
Part One: The Viewers One Thousand Americans interviewed by Frank N. Magid Associates.
- Two-Thirds Likely to Watch News Replayed Cable 268
- Half of Viewers Do Not Have Single Favorite Anchor 269
36 & 37. RUNDOWN POLL: TELEVISION NEWS IN THE 1990's
Page 1989 - 271
Part Two: Issues and Attitudes
- More People Are Growing Anxious About Many Things 273
- Great Desire to Be Informed About Environment 275
- Crime Concerns Are Widespread 276
- Health: Medical Breakthroughs High Interest 279
- Story Interest Rankings: Water Quality Tops List 279
- Community Involvement: What They Expect 282
38. Moving Prime Time: A 10 PM News On The Coast?
Page 1989 - 287
Major Change Debated. Changing Lifestyles.
39. Kentucky Violence: Guns, Murders, Hostages
Page 1989 - 295
Sensitivities. Controlling Video Use. A Gunmen, Explosions, and Teen Kidnapper.
40. The Killer Storm: Covering
Hurricane Hugo
Page 1989 - 303
Surviving and Covering a Major Storm. Preparing for Hugo. Remote Broadcasts. Inter-Station
Cooperation.
41. Anti-Drugs Show Celebrates First Anniversary
Page 1989 - 311
Lessons learned in a year of "City Under Siege" at WTTG- TV, Washington. Keeping
It Fresh. Drug Dealers Profiled.
42. Satellite Newsgathering: The New Rules of the Road
Page 1989 - 317
Sharing Your Truck. Organizing Out-of-Town Requests. Sharing Video.
43. Earthquake of '89: Local TV
Provides Vital Details
Page 1989 - 325
Covering the biggest earthquake to hit California since 1906. Practical Information
Needed. Update How Often? Chronicle's letter to NBC.
44. Emergency Preparedness:
Making Sure Systems Don't Fail
Page 1989 - 333
The Proper Backup Systems. Making Sure They're Ready. 23 Specific Suggestions from San
Francisco broadcasters.
45. Attacking Drugs With A Regular Feature
Page 1989 - 341
A Drug Watch News Team is launched at WLBT-TV, Jackson.
46. Environmental Stories: How To Do Winning Coverage
Page 1989 - 349
High Profile Commitment. Personalize the Problem. Choosing Topics. Establishing a Beat.
Develop Local Sources. Household Hazardous Waste Wheel.
47. November Projects: Drugs,
Schools, The Future
Page 1989 - 357
Complex and Serious Issues Detailed In Projects.
48. Surviving the Meters: Strategies to Cope
Page 1989 - 363
Immediate Numbers. Not All Buy. Don't Overreact. Sample Quality.
49. New Afternoon News/Interview Program
Page 1989 - 371
"In Person" bridges from afternoon talk into the evening news at WJLA-TV,
Washington.
50. Drunk Driver-Killers: Out of Control
Page 1989 - 379
A motorist hits a group of bicyclists killing one, severing the leg of another. A six
month anti-drunk driving campaign followed on KEYT-TV, Santa Barbara.
Television News 1988
1. Winning 1988: Upgrade Your Staff's Performance, Local Specials, Research Dollars,
Elections
Page 1988 - 1
Basic Training. Content Rules. Promotion Dollars. News' Stake in Programming. More Local
Specials. Economic Realities. Corporate View. Common Sense and Proven Techniques.
2. Upgrading Your Staff: Training Anchors, Reporters And Producers
Page 1988 - 9
Reporter Packages. Front-Line Talent. Give Feedback.
3. Weekend Disasters: Oil Spill, Shootings
Page 1988 - 15
Oil Slick Moves. Viewer Hotlines. Expanded Newscasts. Stationwide Disaster Plan. Helping
Shooting Relatives. Working with Law Enforcement.
4. Video News Releases: Who's Really Using Them?
Page 1988 - 23 Fear of One-Sided Stories. Political Feeds.
5. Iowa Caucus Coverage: News Executives Set Agendas
Page 1988 - 31
Keeping Control. Beware Live Interviews. Don't Let Politics Overwhelm Show.
6. Rather vs. Bush: Live
Political Interviews
Page 1988 - 39
Five Keys to Better Interviews. Live Versus Taped. Rather-Bush survey by Magid.
7. How They Did It: The DuPont
Winners
Page 1988 - 47
Florida Institutions. Deadly Roads. Town of Bars.
8. News Helicopters: When They Become Part Of The Story
Page 1988 - 55
Police Kill Suspect Stopped by TV Helicopter. FAA Unpredictable. Pilots' Judgement.
9. New Hampshire Primary:
Polling Picks Up Shifts
Page 1988 - 63
Analysts Counter Manipulation. De-Briefings. Polling Picks Up Shifts.
10. Return To Vietnam: Startling Changes
Page 1988 - 69
Veterans' Reactions to Vietnam. No Restrictions.
11. Prostitutes, Pimps, And Preachers
Page 1988 - 77
Challenges of Covering Television Preacher Jimmy Swaggart's Fall.
12. Radon Revisited WJLA Distributes 100,000 Kits
Page 1988 - 85
How They Did It. Results. How to Fix Problem.
13. Be Prepared: Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Page 1988 - 93
Hurricane Information Project. Tornado Awareness Campaign. Earthquake Education Project.
14. Emergency Deployment: Local Stations In Honduras
Page 1988 - 101
Hometown Link. Communications Difficult.
15. Going Hungry In The Land Of Plenty
Page 1988 - 109
Stations Respond to Hunger in America.
16. Assignment: Northern Ireland
Page 1988 - 117
Making Contacts. Police. Civilians. Elements for a Successful Shoot.
17. Drugs, Guns, And Money: Gang Violence In Los Angeles
Page 1988 - 123
Problem Grows. Developing Sources. Crews In Danger. How to Cover Gangs.
18. Overall Excellence: Your People Make You Good
Page 1988 - 131
RTNDA award winners tell how they lead and educate their staffs.
19. Drugs In The Community: Crack Flood Goes On
Page 1988 - 139
Shutting Down A Shooting Gallery. Reporter-Officer. Keep Big Picture In View.
20. Live For Five Hours: Nevada Rocket Fuel Blast
Page 1988 - 147
There Before Rescue Workers. Home Video. Wall-to-Wall Coverage.
21. Drunk Drivers Produce Graphic Footage, Grieving Relatives
Page 1988 - 155
Shock Trauma Program Special in Baltimore.
22. COACHING UPDATE: TIME TO HELP STAFF GROW
Page 1988 - 161
Trends. Anchor and Reporter Checklists.
23. CHICAGO SHOOTINGS: GOING AFTER MULTIPLE LEADS
Page 1988 - 169
Initial Information Difficult. Working Phones. The Killer. Sensitivities.
24. CONVENTION PRIMER: PREPARING FOR ATLANTA AND NEW ORLEANS
Page 1988 - 176
Plan to Win. Keys to Success. Key Video and Audio. Story Possibilities.
25. DRINKING CHEMICALS AND SWIMMING IN FILTH
Page 1988 - 185
Checking the Ocean. Paradise Fouled. Drinking Water At Home.
26. LOCAL INVESTIGATIONS, PART I: BUILDING INSPECTIONS, DOGNAPPING, AND FACTORY CARS
Page 1988 - 193
Contractors Save Money, Cutting Corners. Approach Dog Thieves with Caution. Rental Cars
Driven Hard.
27. LOCAL INVESTIGATIONS, PART
II: DRIVING DRUNKS, KILLER TRUCKS, CANCER CONCENTRATIONS
Page 1988 - 199
Convicted Drunks Keep On Driving. Hell on Wheels. Cancer Clusters.
28. RUNNING DRY: KEEPING THE DROUGHT STORY FRESH
Page 1988 - 206
Urban vs. Rural. The Water Itself. Killer Heat. The Drought and Farmers.
29. TARGETING AUDIENCES: DIRECT MAIL RATING POINTS
Page 1988 - 215
Telling Your Story in Print. Fighting the Cable Challenge. The Content.
30. REACHING OUT TO CABLE: JOINT VENTURES
Page 1988 - 223
Newscasts Replayed on Cable. News Updates on Cable. New England Super Station?
31. ON CAMERA: CHILDREN
RESCUED, CHILD- SNATCHER ARRESTED
Page 1988 - 229
Getting the Rescue on Tape. Getting It On Air.
32. DROUGHT MAKES FIRE SEASON SEVERE, WILDFIRES BURN IN WEST
Page 1988 - 237
Preparing for Fire Season.
33. WEEKLY CRIME PROGRAM: MURDERERS, CONMEN, EYEWITNESSES AND HEROES
Page 1988 - 245
Action Video. The Format. Telling Stories.
34. CRIME STORIES: COMMON PROBLEMS VIEWERS ENCOUNTER
Page 1988 - 253
Auto Theft. Prison Furloughs. Guns. Burglary.
35. RE- STRUCTURING THE DESK,
PART ONE: SYSTEMS WHICH ARE WORKING FOR OTHERS - Page 1988 - 261
Organizing the Day By Shows. Controlling the Chaos. An Aggressive Desk. Division of
Duties.
36. RE- STRUCTURING THE DESK,
PART TWO: SPECIFIC IDEAS
Page 1988 - 269
Basic Issues. Ideas Which Work.
37. GETTING A HANDLE ON YOUR POLLING: MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENT
Page 1988 - 277
Talk to the Right People. Ask Right Questions. Multi-Market Polls.
38. DETERIORATING PARADISE:
CAROLINA'S BAYS: STATION FIGHTS TO SAVE REGION - Page 1988 - 285
Save Our Sounds. Special. Infomercials. Resource Book. Environmentalists.
39. PREPARING FOR GILBERT:
HURRICANE ON THE TEXAS GULF COAST
Page 1988 - 291
Newsroom Instructions. Field Producers. Balance the Workload. Relief Drive. Preparation
Plan.
40. LOUISIANA RIOT: WHEN A SPOT NEWS STORY TURNS UGLY
Page 1988 - 299
The Incident. Photographer Attacked. Tensions Remain High.
41. BUSINESS NEWS: GROWTH AREA FOR LOCAL TV
Page 1988 - 307
Live With the Latest Information. Money Managing Seminars.
42. NIGHTLY ANTI-DRUGS SHOW DEBUTS IN WASHINGTON
Page 1988 - 313
The Format. The Initial Impact.
43. RE- STRUCTURING THE DESK,
PART THREE: MORE IDEAS WHICH ARE WORKING
Page 1988 - 321
Using Anchor's Clout. Reporters and Stories. Evergreen Notebook. Electronic Status Board.
Planning Desk Works. Handoff Note. The Blue Book. Phone Techniques.
44. TALENT TRENDS AHEAD: MARKET TESTING, CO-ANCHORING WOMEN, PERSONALITY SPORTS
Page 1988 - 329
More Hiring. Anchors Must Also Be Reporters. Personality-Driven Weather and Sports.
45. PROJECT PARENTING: OFFERING VIEWERS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Page 1988 - 337
Relevant Information. Scope of Parenting.
46. SO YOU WANNA DO SPORTS?
Page 1988 - 343
Open Auditions, With Public Invited to Compete for Weekend Sports Post.
47. NEIGHBORHOODS UNDER SIEGE:
UNDERCOVER WITH DRUGS, CASH, AND MACHINE GUNS - Page 1988 - 351
New York: Weapons Fire in the Projects. Surveillance Takes Planning. New Orleans:
Neighborhoods Held Hostage. Philadelphia: Going After the Buyers. Operation Fishnet.
48. 11 MINUTES AT 11: TRYING TO HOLD LATE VIEWERS
Page 1988 - 359 The Theory. The Format.
49. KANSAS CITY EXPLOSION: MOBILIZING EARLY IN MORNING
Page 1988 - 367
Six Firefighters killed by arsonist in middle of night. Responding to an emergency with
few staffers on duty.
50. AIDS EDUCATION: HELPING FAMILIES DISCUSS TOPIC
Page 1988 - 373
Fighting back against a serious threat.
Television News 1987
1. WINNING 1987: LEARNING TO LIVE WITH LESS
Page 1987 - 1
Get More For Your Money. Back to Basics. Communicate More Effectively. Community
Involvement. Everyone Is A Viewer. Nine Steps for Survival.
2. WAR ON DRUGS: ANTI-DRUGS SERIES, SPECIALS
Page 1987 - 9
Support Programs. Students Talk Candidly.
3. NEWS DIRECTOR TURNOVER: CRISIS IN INDUSTRY?
Page 1987 - 15
Concern High. Highest One Can Go? Post-Newsweek Approach. Strategies for 1987.
4. LIFE AFTER TV NEWS: NEWS DIRECTORS MADE TRANSITION
Page 1987 - 23
A Career in Business. Government Press Secretary. Hospital Press Relations. Making A Good
Career Move. Taking Stock of Your Situation.
5. NEWS CONFERENCE SUICIDE:
BROADCAST HOW MUCH?
Page 1987 - 29
Pennsylvania official shoots self in front of media. Some stations run the video. Others
don't.
6. CONTINUING FEATURES: ADD VARIETY TO YOUR NEWSCAST
Page 1987 - 37
Family Life Issues. Personal Activities. Photo Essays. Good News. Features Should
Supplement.
7. TOWN HALL MEETINGS: REACHING OUT TO VIEWERS
Page 1987 - 43
School vote: The Report Card. Using Print to Get Feedback. Ku-band Extends Reach for Town
Halls.
8. EXPANDED TREATMENT FOR IMPORTANT LOCAL TOPICS
Page 1987 - 49
Asbestos Removal. Lead in Drinking Water. Unsafe Fire Extinguishers. Series Catalog.
9. AVALANCHE! MASSIVE SLIDE BURIES SKIERS
Page 1987 - 57
Helicopter Gets First Video. Pilots Under No Pressure to Fly. Ku- Trucks Rolled to Scene.
10. AUDIENCE RESEARCH: SHARING THE DATA
Page 1987 - 65
What to Share. Disclosing the Details. Establish a Research Policy. Handle With Care.
11. MICRO CAM: TINY TV NEWS CAMERA DEBUTS
Page 1987 - 73
WTSP Sees Variety of Uses.
12. CONTINUING FEATURES: SETTING A NEWSCAST APART
Page 1987 - 79
WJZ Baltimore: "The Years Ahead." KTSP Phoenix: "Fitness First." KGUN
Tucson: "The Bottom Line." WTVK Knoxville: "Animal Talk." WTAE
Pittsburgh: "On the Job"
13. CONTINUING FEATURES: PART TWO
Page 1987 - 87
WXEX Richmond: "Just For Kids." Families and Kids. Saluting Positive People.
Celebrate Your ADI.
14. UNHOLY WARS: TV PREACHERS BATTLE ON AIRWAVES
Page 1987 - 95
Covering the fall of Jim and Tammy Bakker.
15. SURVIVING A LAYOFF: HOW TO FIND THE NEXT JOB
Page 1987 - 103
Preparing for the Worst. Landing on Your Feet. Talent Situations.
16. NEW YORK BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Page 1987 - 111
Action Captured on Tape. Anchor Flies With Governor. Emergency Tests Weekend Crews.
17. TOXIC THREAT TO PITTSBURGH
Page 1987 - 117
Seemingly Routine Accident. Playing Central Role. Locked It Down and Left. Expert In Sky.
18. MAJOR AIDS PROJECTS REQUIRE SENSITIVITY
Page 1987 - 125
Dealing With Victims. Don't Overload Phone System. Permanent Hotline.
19. TAMPA TENSIONS: NEWS CREWS
ATTACKED, POLITICIANS CRITICIZE MEDIA - Page 1987 - 133
The Flash Point. Crews Become Targets. Choose Words Carefully. Report Facts, Not Rhetoric.
Self-serving Mayor Critical of Media.
20. HART SCANDAL: MEDIA ETHICS,
CANDIDATE'S CHARACTER
Page 1987 - 141
The Herald's Bombshell. Polls Provide Exclusive Hard News. Pack Journalism Invades.
Media's Role.
21. CHOLESTEROL TESTING: NEXT BIG MEDICAL PROJECT
Page 1987 - 149
The Risk. Newsroom Involvement. Putting Together the Sponsors. Sponsored Promotions.
22. KEEPING CREATIVITY HIGH AND SHOWS FRESH
Page 1987 - 155
The Creative Moment. Re-charging the Batteries. Providing Opportunities. Major Projects.
Awards.
23. TEXAS TWISTER: THE DEATH OF A TOWN
Page 1987 - 163
An Early Jump on the Story. Reporter Helps Rescuers. Phoners Provide Early Details.
24. NEAR MISS: AIRLINE
NEAR-COLLISIONS
Page 1987 - 171
Using the Freedom of Information Act to discover close calls in the air over San
Francisco.
25. LOCAL INVESTIGATIONS: HIGH IMPACT STORIES
Page 1987 - 179
Citizen's Band Crime. School Bus Safety. Housing Discrimination. Parking Meter
Shortchanging.
26. CALLING DOCTORS FOR HELP: THE VIDEO HEALTH FAIR
Page 1987 - 187
Expanded project at WINK, Fort Myers.
27. VINTAGE VIDEO: HOMETOWN
MEMORIES
Page 1987 - 193
Community heritage. Carolina Yesterday. Home Movies. Amateur Historians. Vintage Video.
28. PROMOTION TRENDS: TOPICALS, PRE-TESTING, APPEARANCES
Page 1987 - 201
Getting Them Into the Tent. Testing. Personal Appearances on Increase.
29. UPDATING THE LATE SHOW: TECHNIQUES FOR ATTRACTING AND HOLDING VIEWERS
Page 1987 - 209
A Reason to Watch. News is News. Plan Early. Update the Content. Localize a National
Story.
30. PREPARING FOR THE POPE: STATIONS PUSHED TO THEIR CAPACITIES
Page 1987 - 217
Planner's Challenge. First Stop: Miami. Travelling the Whole Way. News Service Packages.
31. GUADALUPE RIVER TRAGEDY:
FLASH FLOOD
Page 1987 - 225
Rescues and Frustration. Second Guessers. Parents Desperate For Information. Privacy.
32. TALENT TRENDS 1987. IN DEMAND: OLDER MEN
Page 1987 - 233
Looking for Mr. Right. Ad-Lib and De-Brief Critical. Stronger Background Investigations.
Weathercasters. Talent More Stable Today.
33. NEWSGATHERING TUNE-UP: STRONG DESK MAKES IT ALL POSSIBLE - Page 1987 - 239
Anticipation Critical. Write Tomorrow's Plan Today. Quality Phone File. Desk Techniques.
34. PRODUCT TAMPERING: DECIDING WHAT TO REPORT, WHEN TO AIR IT - Page 1987 - 247
Threats On the Rise. Guidelines.
35. DETROIT CRASH: DISASTER PLANS AID COVERAGE
Page 1987 - 255
Live From Flaming Crash Site. Stations Organize for Major Disaster. Choose Shots With
Care. Draw Up A Disaster Plan.
36. A GOOD PRODUCER CAN BE HARD TO FIND
Page 1987 - 263
Seeing Through the Audition Tape. Developing A Farm System. Hiring Outside For Fresh
Approach. How To Keep A Good One.
37. APPEALING TO A MATURING AUDIENCE
Page 1987 - 269
Advice and information for an audience which suddenly realizes it is aging.
38. PAPAL VISIT DE-BRIEFING: KEYS TO GOOD POOLS, CONTINUING COVERAGE
Page 1987 - 275
More Pools Possible in Future. Sustaining Extended Coverage.
39. PATH TO UPPER MANAGEMENT: PREPARING FOR THE TOP JOBS
Page 1987 - 281
Broaden Your Vision. How Departments Interrelate. Budgeting Processes. News Directors have
Unique Skills.
40. WHEN TRAGEDY HITS HOME: COPING WITH A DEATH ON THE STAFF
Page 1987 - 289
Helicopter Crash. Sudden Death of Air Talent. Fighting Cancer.
41. CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE WORST IN FIFTEEN YEARS
Page 1987 - 295
Details Few. Mobile Studio Approach. Viewers Clamor For Information.
42. COVERING THE 1988 CAMPAIGN: DOING YOUR OWN POLLING, SEARCHING FOR NEW APPROACHES
Page 1987 - 303
Do It Yourself Computer Polling. Polling Seen as Valuable. Share the Cost. Five Families.
Personality Analysts.
43. INDIANAPOLIS CRASH: SATELLITE SYSTEM PROVES ITS WORTH
Page 1987 - - 309
Quick Local Response. Extended Coverage For Local Viewers.
44. LEISURE REPORTING: INFORMATION AND ADVICE
Page 1987 - 317
Getting More Out of Life. Mystery Diner. Affordable Activities. One Tank Trips.
45. SEARCHING FOR INCREASED TUNE-INS
Page 1987 - 325
Increasing Frequency. Rating and Fixing Your Life. Cross Promotion with Newspaper.
Decidedly Different Topic can be Series Winner.
46. SOUTHERN FOREST FIRES: MULTIPLE BLAZES, INACCESSIBLE TERRAIN
Page 1987 - 333
Useful Aerials Tricky to Shoot. Remote Areas with Limited Access. Live from the Fire.
47. WINTER WEATHER HAMPERS
RESCUE: DENVER CRASH
Page 1987 - 341
Temperatures Below Freezing. Media Barred From Scene. Early Information Erroneous. Crews
Show Sensitivity. Need for A Disaster Plan.
48. NUMBER ONE IN THE MORNING: BEATING THE NETWORKS WITH A LOCAL APPROACH
Page 1987 - 349
Developing the Format. Local News for Local People. Flexibility is the Key.
49. CUBAN PRISON RIOTS: LONG DAYS, LITTLE INFORMATION
Page 1987 - 357
Logistical Problems. "Information Nightmare." Satellite Cooperation. Atlanta
Flares.
50. DEADLY MISTAKES: LABORATORY
ERRORS CAUSE DEATH
Page 1987 - 365
Pap Smears: Deadly Gamble. Little Regulation, Over-worked Technicians. Errors Are
Wide-Ranging. Protecting Yourself.
Television News 1986
1. WINNING 1986: RECOMMENDATIONS OF TOP CONSULTANTS - Page 1986 - 1
Six Steps To Survival. Improving the Bottom Line. Important Choices, New Directions.
Resolutions to Implement.
2. IMPROVING THE BOTTOM LINE: COST-CUTTERS
Page 1986 - 9
Controlling Overtime. Reduce Dead Time. Cut Services Carefully. Sharing Costs. Shop Around
for Equipment.
3. LOCAL STATIONS WOO NETWORK TALENT
Page 1986 - 17
Network Talent Brings Credibility to Shows. Avoid Hiring Pitfalls. Making A Successful
Transition.
4. OHIO FARMWATCH: AN INNOVATIVE LOOK AT FARM PROBLEMS
Page 1986 - 25
Personalizing the plight of the farmer.
5. TUNING UP: ARE ALL YOUR SYSTEMS WORKING?
Page 1986 - 31
Tighten Writing. Justify Each Story.
6. CHALLENGER EXPLODES: STATIONS REACT QUICKLY TO TRAGEDY - Page 1986 - 37
Orlando Stations Carried Launch Live. Satellite Networks Give Stations an Edge. In Boston,
Celebration Turns to Tragedy. Houston Stations Sensitive to Families.
7. NEW TIME PERIOD: 8 P.M. NEWS DRAWS VIEWERS IN L.A.
Page 1986 - 45
Five keys to KTTV's success.
8. TV NEWS PROMOTION 1986: THE BATTLE FOR THE MARKETPLACE
Page 1986 - 53
What Promotion Can And Cannot Do. Image Vs. Topical. Possible Promotion Strategies. Beware
of Negative Effects.
9. PART II: WINNING WITH PROMOTION - CASE STUDIES
Page 1986 - 61
KSDK, St. Louis: "Show Me 5.' WRAL, Raleigh: "The Place to Be." WISH,
Indianapolis: "We're The Team." WSOC-TV, Charlotte: "How to Complain."
Steps to Success.
10. PART I: LIVE IN 1986: EXTENDED COVERAGE SCORES AGAIN
Page 1986 - 69
Extended Live Reporting. The Reporter's View. The Cardinal Rule: Avoid Speculation.
Getting Systems in Place.
11. PART II: LIVE IN 1986 - UPGRADING YOUR LIVE SHOTS
Page 1986 - 77 Live For the Sake Of Live Fading. Live or on Tape? Emphasis on Production.
Taking the Show on the Road.
12. VIDEO STRINGER NETWORKS PAYING DIVIDENDS
Page 1986 - 85
Advertise For Members. Stringers Extend Coverage Area.
13. THE NEWSROOM SET: A FUNCTIONAL DESIGN WHICH LASTS
Page 1986 - 91
Still Popular. Newsroom Setting Conveys Excitement.
14. POLICE RADIO CHANGES: WILL LOCAL STATIONS STAY TUNED IN?
Page 1986 - 101
Denver's Controversial Plan. Miami Switching Bands.
15. EMPHASIZING YOUR WEATHERCASTERS
Page 1986 - 107
Midwest Stations Air "Tornado Awareness" Series. Out-of- Town Shoots. Live
Remotes. Build Credibility Through Outside Activities.
16. "BODY BROKERS": DOCUMENTARY PROBES ORGAN DONATIONS
Page 1986 - 115
Required Consent Laws. Scope of Issue.
17. MIAMI STATIONS MOBILIZE TO COVER BLOODY FBI SHOOT- OUT
Page 1986 - 121
Eyewitnesses Provide Early Details. Multi-Faceted Team Coverage. Sidebars. Owning the Big
Story.
18. PROGRAMS EXPLAINING THE MEDIA'S ROLE
Page 1986 - 127
WTAE's Goals. Management Answers Callers Live. WJBK Teams With Detroit Chamber of
Commerce. Behind the Scenes.
19. TALENT COACHING: INVESTING IN YOUR ON-AIR PEOPLE
Page 1986 - 135
The Basics. Regular Critiques Pay Big Dividends. Giving Feedback. Working With A
Consultant.
20. DOMESTIC TERRORISTS STRIKE WEST VIRGINIA STATION
Page 1986 - 143
An Act of Terrorism. The Raid. TV Stations May Be Potential Targets. Don't Let The
Protesters Win.
21. COVERING THE BIG EVENT: CONTROLLING THE CHAOS
Page 1986 - 149
Getting Organized. Establish A Chain Of Command. Develop A Breaking Story Rundown. Keeping
Track Of Video.
22. MT. HOOD CLIMBING DEATHS: REPORTING TEEN TRAGEDY
Page 1986 - 157
Stations Strive For Sensitivity. Family Privacy Respected. Proximity To Families Often
Trying.
23. OFFICER AND REPORTER: SEEING BOTH SIDES OF CRIME COVERAGE
Page 1986 - 165
Inside Contacts Are A Big Advantage. Auxiliary Police Role Very Helpful. Keys to Covering
The Police Beat.
24. CONSULTANTS, HEADHUNTERS AND AGENTS - PART I: THE CHANGING FACE OF
REPRESENTATION
Page 1986 - 171
Concern About Agents. Defining the Roles. Conflicts of Interest. Maintain A Good
Relationship With Talent.
25. CONSULTANTS, HEADHUNTERS AND AGENTS - PART II: NEGOTIATING FROM STRENGTH -
Page 1986 - 179
A Management Market. Be Prepared for Change. Seven Steps to Successful Negotiations.
26. BULLISH ON BUSINESS: SHOWS APPEAL TO SIGNIFICANT AUDIENCE
Page 1986 - 187
1980's: Era of Business. "Nightly Business Report" In Fifth Year. "Business
Day." Consider A Mini-Business Segment.
27. LOAFING ON THE JOB: PITTSBURGH PROBE EXPOSES ABUSES
Page 1986 - 195
Viewers Outraged By Abuses. How They Did It. Document Allegations Carefully. Be Fair.
28. SUMMERTIME SPECIALS: LOCAL EFFORTS VARIED AND AMBITIOUS
Page 1986 - 201
Impact of Drugs. Drug Abuse An Ongoing Concern. Parenting In The Eighties. Rights and
Responsibilities.
29. SPECIAL REPORT: SATELLITE NEWS GATHERING - THE NEXT ROUND - Page 1986 - 207
Ku-Band Today. Users Swear By It. Others Careful, Wary of Costs. Will a Ku-Truck Improve
Ratings? Station Relationships Key To Success. Beware of Hidden Headaches.
30. DON'T DRINK THE WATER: ROCHESTER CRISIS
Page 1986 - 219
The Elements of a Long-running Story.
31. MAKING THE MOST OF AUGUST: PLAN NOW FOR FALL SUCCESS
Page 1986 - 225
Audience Research & Development: Back to Basics. McHugh & Hoffman: Know Your
Audience. Lynn Scarborough: Systems Tune-Up.
32. STATIONS GEAR UP DURING
SOUTHERN HEAT WAVE AND DROUGHT - Page 1986 - 233
Hay Shipments Get Top Priority Coverage. Satellite Hookup Brings Regions Together. PSAs
Urge Viewers to Conserve. Stations Using Care in Reporting. ETV Dedicates Nightly Segment
to Drought. Weather Is Hard on Equipment and People. Plenty of Angles to Cover.
33. 1986 NEWS EXECUTIVES SURVEY: FINANCIAL PRESSURES INTENSE, BUT, TOTAL NEWSCAST
TIME INCREASES
Page 1986 - 241
Conclusions: Overview and Trends. Conclusions: Services and Equipment. The Survey Itself.
Financial Pressure Intense. Looking Ahead: More Money Problems. Staffing Levels: Ups and
Downs. Most Important Purchase: Audience Research. Research Top Priority. News Gathering
Equipment. Ku-band: Is It Worth It? Station's Own Helicopter. Newsroom Computers.
Half-Inch Video. News Air Time Growing. Early Morning Shows. Noon Shows. Early Evening.
Late Night.
34. 1986 NEWS EXECUTIVES SURVEY: MORE-CO ANCHORS AND HEALTH REPORTERS, REGIONAL
NETWORKS BOOM
Page 1986 - 253
Talent Utilization. News Gathering. News Director's Job. Studio Talent: Co-Anchors
Flourish. More Anchor Field Reporting Planned. Meteorologists: Blue Skies. Reporter Talent
Trends. Medical Beat Is Healthy. Consumer Reporter. Business Beat. Entertainment Reporter.
News Gathering Trends. News Director Power. News Director Career Paths.
35. MAILROOM MASSACRE: OKLAHOMA STATIONS RESPOND TO TRAGEDY
Page 1986 - 261
On Scene Assignments. Special Report and Expanded Newscast. Staff Stress Can Be A Problem.
Tragedy Covered With Sensitivity.
36. KCBS SPLITS EARLY EVENING NEWS INTO TWENTY MINUTE SEGMENTS
Page 1986 - 269
The Show In Brief. Goal: Meet Real Interests and Needs. Goal: Lengthen Viewing Spans.
37. MORE FLEXIBLE NEWS FORMATS: MORE INTERVIEWS, FEWER FILLERS
Page 1986 - 275 Expansion Experiments. WBBM: A New Format Each Day. WCCO: In-Depth
Information on Important Issues. WTTG: Updates All Day. WCBS: Splitting The Five.
38. MICHIGAN FLOODING: STATIONS BATTLE WEATHER, WATER
Page 1986 - 283
High Water Cut Off Staffers, Threatened Station. "A Logistical Nightmare."
Regional Network Proves Valuable.
39. "YOU BE THE NEWS DIRECTOR": VIEWERS LEARN NEWS SENSITIVITIES -
Page 1986 - 289
Scenarios Based on Actual Events. Terrorist Wants To Go Live. Off The Record. Privacy and
Tragedy.
40. ON THE ROAD IN RUSSIA DURING THE DANILOFF TENSIONS
Page 1986 - 295
Inside Russia. Reporters Must Be Careful. Travel Tips: Plan Ahead and Pack Carefully.
Should You Go?
41. PICKING DEBATE WINNER:
INSTANTANEOUS RATINGS
Page 1986 - 303
Instant Analysis in Seattle. Computerized Report Card. Maryland Governor Debate without
Cooperating Candidates.
42. ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS TO OFFER HARD HOLLYWOOD NEWS
Page 1986 - 309
A Demographic Builder? A&E in Boston, Philadelphia. WCVB Cuts Back On Entertainment
News. Content Fuels Interest.
43. FLYING HIGH: INVESTIGATION
EXPOSES DRUNK AIRLINE PILOTS
Page 1986 - 317
Drunk Drivers Are Piloting. The Pilots. Telling The Story. Alcohol and Its Effects. Drunk
Driver Pilot.
44. MOVING ACROSS TOWN: CAN THEIR ANCHOR DO THE JOB FOR YOU? - Page 1986 - 323
"Hometown" Shouldn't Be the Top Criteria. Use Caution, Plan Carefully. Look For
Chemistry. Evaluate the Risks. Research the Move. Downplay the Financial Aspects.
45. ELECTION DE-BRIEFING: CHECKLIST FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
Page 1986 - 331
Ku-Trucks Raise level of The Game. Network Shares Reporters, Debates, Polling. Floating
Crews Get Important Interviews. Sample District Returns Work. Lessons Learned: Election
Checklist. Winning The Post-Election Period.
46. CO-ANCHORS: BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL TEAM
Page 1986 - 339
KPIX, San Francisco: McElhatton and Tokuda. KUSA, Denver: Sardella and Landess. KGTV, San
Diego LeBeau and Walker.
47. AWARDS: HOW TO PREPARE A
WINNING ENTRY
Page 1986 - 347
WWL, New Orleans: Winning the Murrow Award. Setting Up a System. Elements of a Good Entry.
48. RIDING WITH POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS
Page 1986 - 355
Hostages and High Speed Chases. Subway Decoy Cops. Subway Crime On Tape. Firefighter
Training.
49. RADON GAS: HIGH RESPONSE SERIES
Page 1986 - 361
No State is Free of Radon. Setting Up Your Test.
50. WHAT'S AHEAD IN EARLY 1987
Page 1986 - 369
Stories and trends to watch in the new year.
Television News 1985
1. ELECTING THE MAYORS: DOMINATE THIS YEAR'S ONGOING STORY
Page 1985 - 1
Keys to Winning Campaign Coverage. Campaign Photography Goals.
2. HUMORISTS GIVE VIEWERS A BREAK
Page 1985 - 7
Humor Helps Pacing and Breaks Tension. Many Humor Pieces Tied to News Events. Making It
Work. Choosing a Reporter.
3. KU-BAND UPDATE: STATIONS GIVE HIGH MARKS TO NEW KU UNITS
Page 1985 - 13
Portable Units Give Big Advantage on Breaking News. KU Units Extend Coverage in Fringes of
ADI. Stations Report Few Technical Problems.
4. KU-BAND UPDATE: FLORIDA NEWS NETWORK
Page 1985 - 21
Informal Sharing Leads to New Network. Keeping the Cost Down With an Alternative System.
5. HIRING NON-BROADCASTERS: HOW TO PICK WINNERS
Page 1985 - 29
Columnists, Analysts Add Perspective to Shows. Sizing Up Non- Broadcasters for On-Air
Jobs. Super Stars Don't Always Require Super Salaries.
6. TIGHTEN YOUR WRITING
Page 1985 - 35
Writing Tuneup. Writing Guidelines.
7. BIG ANNIVERSARY AHEAD: TEN YEARS SINCE SAIGON SURRENDERED
Page 1985 - 43
Planning Yields Strong Retrospectives. Possible Stories.
8. STEREO TELEVISION: BIGGEST DEVELOPMENT SINCE COLOR?
Page 1985 - 49
KTLA Broadcasting in Spanish, Too. Engineering and News Divided On Uses. Are There Enough
Stereo Sets in Use?
9. NEW ON THE JOB: GAME PLANS FOR SUCCESS
Page 1985 - 57
Case One: Long Time Leader Stopping A Slide. Case Two: Number Two Aiming For Number One.
Case Three: Keeping A Powerhouse On Top.
10. BUILD EARLY NEWS AUDIENCE WITH AFTERNOON NEWS UPDATES
Page 1985 - 65
Updates Are Strong Promotion.
11. EXPANDING WEATHER SERVICE: STATION ADDS ROBOT TO LINEUP - Page 1985 - 71
The KUTV Weatherbank. Expansion Ahead.
12. SPRING WEATHER EMERGENCIES: UPDATE YOUR PLANS NOW
Page 1985 - 77
Peoria Flooding. Field Anchoring Worked. Weather Graphics Must Shine. Planning Is Crucial
For Fresh Pieces. Tornado Awareness Specials.
13. BEYOND 2000: WJLA WASHINGTON LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
Page 1985 - 83
Expanded project looking ahead.
14. VOICE OVERS: NOTHING TO TAKE FOR GRANTED
Page 1985 - 88
Eight Keys to Successful Voice Overs.
15. PROJECT GRADUATION: WDIV WORKS FOR SAFE PROMS AND GRADUATIONS
Page 1985 - 97
Special anti-drunk driving project.
16. ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS THE NEWS LEADER: DOMINATE MAJOR STORIES
Page 1985 - 103
Move Quickly, Be Flexible. KGTV San Diego and the San Ysidro Massacre. Quick Response Key
to Tornado Coverage, WSOC Charlotte. KERO Bakersfield Double Teams Kidnapping Story.
Gunman Incident at WJW Cleveland.
17. SENDING A MESSAGE TO SENIOR VIEWERS
Page 1985 - 111
"Super Seniors" on WPLG Miami. Format. Finding The Seniors. Could It Work For
You?
18. REGIONAL NEWS NETWORKS: PICKING YOUR PARTNERS
Page 1985 - 117
Technology Spurs Network Formation.
19. AVOIDING COURTROOM DEFEATS: NEWSROOM LEGAL SEMINAR EARNS HIGH MARKS
Page 1985 - 123
Hypothetical Cases Set Stage For Discussions. Ethics of Airing a Local Story. Seminar
Meets Demand for Continuing Education.
20. AVOIDING COURTROOM DEFEATS: HAVE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF LIBEL LAW
Page 1985 - 131
Establish Standards For Your Staff. Invasion of Privacy Cases On The Rise. Making
Decisions on Deadline.
21. DRAMA OF PHILADELPHIA SHOOTOUT AND FIRE PLAYED OUT ON LIVE TELEVISION
Page 1985 - 139
Continuous Coverage A Ratings Winner. Stay With The Story as It's Breaking. Great Camera
Angles Resulted From Advance Planning. Hidden Cameraman Relayed Valuable Information.
Getting the Key Shot: The Bomb Being Dropped. Talent Remained Cool and Professional.
22. TV MAKEUP: IT CAN HELP MAKE OR BREAK A CAREER
Page 1985 - 147
Colors. Lighting. Time-Saving Steps For Men.
23. WNEV WEATHER WATCHERS: EMPHASIZING HOMETOWN THEME
Page 1985 - 153
How it works.
24. AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARE SECRETS OF TOP QUALITY VIDEO
Page 1985 - 159
Good Pictures Translate Into Higher Ratings. Photographers Must Be Newspeople. Pay
Attention to Basic Rules.
25. GETTING A HANDLE ON RESEARCH: HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S GOOD DATA?
Page 1985 - 167
Good Research vs. Bad Research. Picking A Winner For Your Project. Field A Big Study At
Least Once A Year. Getting the Results You want. Don't Take Recommendations at Face Value.
26. GETTING A HANDLE ON RESEARCH: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT IT
Page 1985 - 175
Assemble a group for research Presentations. Read the Verbatims and Study the Data. Share
the Data With Your Staff. Develop Workable Action Plans. Interpret Recommendations to Fit
Your Market.
27. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY: MAXIMIZE THE FOOTAGE FROM YOUR HELICOPTER
Page 1985 - 183
Hand-held can look fairly steady. Get close to the action. Work Closely With Your Pilot.
Practice Makes Near Perfect.
28. 1985 "BEST NEWSCAST" WINNERS PINPOINT KEYS TO THEIR SUCCESSES -
Page 1985 - 189
WBBM: "We Don't Underestimate The Audience." KIRO: Energy and Excitement. KPIX:
"Comprehensive." WJBK: Re- defining News. WRAL: Content and Production. KMGH:
Stick to Basics.
29. NASHVILLE TELEVISION: HELD
HOSTAGE BY INMATE DEMANDS
Page 1985 - 197
Inmates Were Media Knowledgeable. Prison Officials Use Media Presence to Calm Inmates.
Industry Reaction Supports Stations' Actions. Possible Actions To Improve Your Hand.
30. CEDAR RAPIDS' TOXIC CLOUD AND MASS EVACUATION
Page 1985 - 205
The First Hours. Live Cut-is. Remain Safe While Covering Evacuations. Use Protective Gear.
31. NEWS, WEATHER, SPORTS, AND MEDICINE?
Page 1985 - 211
Research Justifies Expansion. "News You Can Use." "Housecalls" Uses
Live TV. Finding a Local Doctor. Build Your Alliances. Reach Out to Community With Medical
Events.
32. STATION SECURITY: ARE YOUR PEOPLE ADEOUATELY PROTECTED? - Page 1985 - 219
Take Every Threat Seriously. Don't Respond to "Mash" Letters and Obscene Calls.
Secure Lobbies.
33. THE CRASH OF FLIGHT 191:
TRAGEDY AT DALLAS-FORT WORTH AIRPORT - Page 1985 - 225
Crews Mobilized Immediately. Live Updates and Continuous Coverage. Airport Policy. Close
Access Tested Broadcasters' Sensitivities. Don't Burn Out in Round One.
34. DOMINANT FOR A DECADE: SECRETS OF SUCCESS OF LONGTIME TOP-RATED ANCHORS -
Page 1985 - 233
Strategies to Win With. Honest, Genuine Personality. Concern for the Community. A Working
Journalist Involved With the Show. Always Stay Current.
35. DOMINANT FOR A DECADE: UPDATING AND IMPROVING CONTENT HOLDS VIEWERS
Page 1985 - 241
Anchor Stability Helps Build Long-Term Success. Be Patient. Don't Be Panicked. WDVM's
Fresh Approach. The Right Match Between Format and Anchor. Advice From the Winners.
36. COVERING A HURRICANE: ELENA
ROCKS GULF COAST
Page 1985 - 249
Live updates. Safety of Crews a Major Concern. Riding Out the Hurricane. Plan for Food,
Gasoline, and Equipment Failures. Be Prepared for Out-of-Town Stations.
37. THE 1986 CAMPAIGNS: WHAT TO EXPECT AS HEAVYWEIGHTS BATTLE
Page 1985 - 257
The Nineteen Inch Arena. Searching For an Emotional Handle. Negatives Will Be Handled With
Care. Covering Commercials.
38. LOCAL STATIONS FILL THE VOID IN THE PHILADELPHIA NEWSPAPER STRIKE
Page 1985 - 265
Radical Change in News Structure. KYW's Re-formated 6. WCAU's "Late Edition."
Comics Draw Good Viewer Response. Using Non-Broadcasters On Air. "Think Big."
39. NEWS SETS 1985: SIMPLE DESIGNS, SUBTLE NEW COLORS
Page 1985 - 273
KNBC, Los Angeles. WPLG, Miami. WLOX, Biloxi. WTVC, Chattanooga.
40. COVERING GLORIA: KU-BAND GETS HIGH MARKS
Page 1985 - 285
Ku Gives Much Needed Mobility. Wall-to-Wall. "Storm Desk" Aids Callers. Stations
Strive For Calm Tone.
41. PLANNING AHEAD: CREATE TOMORROW'S SUCCESS THIS AFTERNOON
Page 1985 - 293
WJW: 3 p.m. Meetings. WKBW: 6:30 p.m. Sessions. WSVN: Planning With Flexibility. WTAE:
Wary of Over-Planning.
42. EXPANDED LATE NEWSCASTS: MORE NEWS CONTENT, MORE SPOTS TO SELL
Page 1985 - 301
Expanded Shows Offer Flexibility. Formats and Formulas. Can It Boost Ratings? KSTP Unveils
New Equipment to Tape Delay.
43. LIVE ON LOCATION: GETTING OUT IN YOUR ADI
Page 1985 - 307
Advance Planning Crucial to Success. Microwave Units and Computers Make Shows Possible.
WXIA: 10 Shows in 10 Days. Denver Stations On Tour.
44. WRESTLING WITH AIDS: THE PUBLIC HEALTH STORY OF THE DECADE - Page 1985 - 313
KPIX Documentary a Ratings Hit. AIDS Stories Airing Daily in Miami. Many Angles Being
Covered in New York.
45. TWENTY YEARS OF EYEWITNESS NEWS: WHAT'S STILL RELEVANT TODAY?
Page 1985 - 321
Al Primo. Format Shows Talent as Credible and Friendly. Bigger Emphasis Put on 'Local'
News. Image Continues Successfully.
46. "WEDNESDAY'S CHILD": HARD-TO-PLACE KIDS STILL GETTING RESPONSE - Page
1985 - 329
Feature Must Be Sincere. Feature Expanded to Include Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Seminar on
Telethons.
47. POLICE BEATS IN THE '80'S: LESS BLOOD 'N GUTS, MORE LIVE REPORTING - Page
1985 - 335
Routine Crime Stories Discarded. Police Reporters Becoming "Breaking News
Specialists." Watch Out for Red Flags.
48. NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: EDUCATION, EXPOSES, COVER STORIES
Page 1985 - 343
KTUL: State of Education. WBBM: I-Team Probes Racing. WDIV: Focus on Cover Story.
49. KCBS HOLIDAY TOY TEST: A
GUIDE FOR VIEWERS
Page 1985 - 349
Planning Begins in February. Brochures Given to Parents.
50. WHAT'S AHEAD IN 1986: STORIES AND TRENDS
Page 1985 - 355
Issues and events to be ready for.
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