A TV station asked one of our clients to provide live analysis on the phone as soon as possible about breaking news. We didn’t know about the breaking news before the station called. And part of his analysis depended on seeing the scene. But driving to the scene was not a practical option. TV stations often want to show live video of big breaking news as much as possible. Not having much information won’t stop the live coverage. So TV stations often need witnesses and experts to provide analysis to fill airtime.
For his live phone interview, our client used the TV station as his eyes from afar. He turned on the TV station, which sent its chopper above the scene to provide live pictures. He provided analysis on the phone while staying in front of a TV and watching what the station was showing viewers. This idea seems simple. But some people, in the rush to prepare themselves to unexpectedly talk on live TV, may not immediately consider to actually turn on the TV (and turn down the volume) while speaking.
It wasn’t uncommon for TV stations to send me to breaking news and ask us to provide a live report as soon as we arrived. This allowed me little time to gather information. The stations wanted me live. They wanted live pictures. Whether or not I had concrete details to discuss wasn’t going to stop a live shot. In these situations, some reporters dig themselves into a hole by attempting to relay facts they don’t have. I would point and describe the scene. Maybe I didn’t have sufficient information, but I could describe what I was witnessing. And that was good enough to go along with live video.
You’ve heard of walk and talk. Consider this watch and talk.