Continued pressure on broadcasters budgets spurs creativity. A July 30 article by Broadcast Engineering, highlights industry layoffs and the ideas both broadcasters and reporters are employing in a changing news market, even creating competition for one another.
Ironically, automated satellite news gathering systems could be game changers for both the broadcast stations and independent reporters who want to broadcast live news.
Automation has simplified satellite uplinks in the field so that now a cameraman or reporter can operate the uplink while taking virtually no time away from his or her other responsibilities. Two or even one person teams can cover a live news story for broadcast or webcast easily.
For stations that can mean cost savings by allowing smaller staffs to produce live news shots. Remotely controlling news van operations from the studio helps control costs and relieves reporters and other field personnel.
For independent stringers, cameramen and reporters, automated satellite news gathering can be an opportunity to compete with larger news groups. The triple combination of automated operation, low monthly equipment lease rates and pay only for what you use satellite access gives them a very low cost live news gathering solution. Per feed teleport rental lets the independents deliver live or recorded news content to major video switching points where most major media outlets are connected.
Webcasting potentially offers the most immediate delivery of any news format since webcasts don’t need to wait for the 6 o’clock news show. Live, streaming web news can be instantly delivered to multiple websites for real time viewing to virtually unlimited audiences.
Budget cuts don’t need to spell the end of live news coverage or quality live coverage. Watch closely to see how new, innovative news formats and independent coverage sweep the industry.
See the Broadcast Engineering article:
Broadcasters continue layoffs; former staffers become news competitors.
