I assume that the news today that NBC and Fox are forming an entity to pool news video in a number of their markets sent shockwaves through newsrooms everywhere.  I say step back, take a deep breath and a global view – and you will agree with me that this is a great idea.

Why should every TV station in the market shoot video of the ribbon cutting, the charity event, the shovels turning dirt for a new building?  What is the competitive advantage?   I believe it is a waste of resources.

Take a look at your assignment board right now.  What percentage of your videographers are out shooting a photo op?    One-half?   One-third?   Think of the wasted time, manpower and gasoline for every station in town to be shooting the mayor's ribbon cutting today?

Why not pool that coverage with every station in the market?  Your producer will still write the copy for the VO in your own style, and your editor will pick the shots.   So, just like it is without pool coverage today – your story will be similar but different to the competition's.

All the assignment managers in a market could have a daily conference call to plan pool shoots for the next day.  You could divide up overnight coverage too.  Station A is on tonight, station B takes tomorrow night etc.  This will allow your crews to spend more time doing reports that are exclusive to your station and are much more important to your viewers.

Yes, there is the danger that group ownership may decide that this kind of arrangement can allow them to cut some resources.  But, in today's economy, they could decide to do that without a pool arrangement.   And, if they do make more cuts, a pool arrangement allows you to use your remaining crews much more efficiently.

If I were a news directory right now, I'd be on the phone today with my fellow ND's trying to talk them into such a pool agreement.  What about you?   Do you agree or disagree with my idea?  Let me know.

Jim

This entry was posted on Friday, November 14th, 2008 at 2:11 pm and is filed under Willi. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.