Being outside your comfort zone is extremely stressful because you are stepping into a room where you don't really know what to expect or you don't know how to react in case something goes wrong. This was my and everyone else's opinion about covering the strikes in the Unite the union office in Southampton. Having been and worked in the TV studio for the last year and a half, we all comfortably know everything about it. We know what could possibly go wrong and how to fix it. We also have our two technical heroes- Dave and Corrin who we can run to and ask for help. Being in a strange place with all this TV equipment and broadcasting from there for four hours seemed impossible to us all.
But what I have learnt in the last four years is that impossible is nothing! Neither was the strike coverage from Southampton.
But what I have learnt in the last four years is that impossible is nothing! Neither was the strike coverage from Southampton.
The Unite the union office was huge and bright. That was the first thing that cheered me up. We set up on Tuesday, a day before the strikes and we had a small rehearsal.
On the day of the strikes we went live at 12.00pm and everything seemed to be going smoothly till Chris realised that the sound on the actual LiveStream was playing up and it was impossible to hear Cara. We tired fixing it for an hour, which was a huge let down. But we fixed it, which proves that we don't really need Dave or Corrin as much as we think. Of course if they were with us, the problem would have been fixed quicker. The next three hours went just so great.
Our reporters did an amazing job. They were all in different places, such as London, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton. They all continuously interviewed those that striked and tried making packages to send into the studio. Unfortunately the strikes didn't turn into anything big, instead they calmed down so there were no breaking news stories.
The correspondents from other universities, such as Liverpool and London Met also did incredibly well helping us with the national strikes. Unfortunately, we couldn't hear London Met as well as we planned so their interviewed didn't happen but Liverpool was clear and very helpful.
Teamwork is so important. On November the 30th we proved what an amazing team we make. We trust each other and share responsibilities. We are always willing to work together, share the jobs and help each other out. We are all ambitious and we always aim for the same target. We put all the effort we possibly could into this project. And that is why we succeeded.
Here are the highlights of our record- breaking four hour strike coverage on pension strikes.
Here are the highlights of our record- breaking four hour strike coverage on pension strikes.
Hi Justi
ReplyDeleteWell I wouldn't like not to comment, although I have already sent my reaction which I will copy and paste here for you. I think the highlights as above are really slick and professional.
It is wonderful that you sorted it all out, as despite my own considerable sound problems all the time, I could tell how competent and well informed everyone was and how confidently they interviewed guests and asked good questions and also the ad libbing by the presenters was good and their questions well researched.
I was thinking it was a baptism of fire for you all, because of that sound issue whatever it was, and I wanted to call and say do something about that window, come out of it a bit, the acoustics were poor in the room and there was an echo, a squeak and whine. I also wondered if long hair messed the mics up sometimes and noticed posture was important because when Cara sat forward and projected her voice more it was obviously much better.
Now that I know you had got it right after an hour, I think that either my sound is duff on the computer or that the internet connection was disconnecting for very short breaks as it sometimes does. I am peeved about that but overall not worried now that I know how pleased everyone is and that you are happy. Solving problems give you strength. I kept thinking has the equipment broken, moving it there and all sorts of conjecture about what had happened. When I left at 3pm it was just jerk stopping all through what anyone said. I did notice however that you put up the red globe with apologies and lots of ads and of course, there were breaks throughout announced. I was thinking what a nightmare for the sound person, so well done to all.
Nothing is really the end of the world if it goes wrong. I wish my reception had been better but it was an enjoyment to watch and know everyone was doing their very best.
I thought the French teacher and the link to the teacher training student was very good and I learned facts about the pension threat, more than I had known before, from the interviews with various guests. I think the coverage was unbiased and fair too.
Sorry the team must break up, it is always sad, but it is time to move on!! and all the experience and challenges will hopefully prepare you well for the next stage to come.
Love ever, Cait XXX