When Reporters Do it "Live!"

So, how do live reports work? There are two observable ways.

Reporting of a current situation: live point, particular air-time

This LIVE coverage does not require journalist's skill to polish a story set for a better narrative. Instead, this requires field correspondents to be: (1) keen and alert observers and (2) articulate communicators since sudden changes can immediately happen during a live feed and/or covering an on-going story.

However, TV journalists prior to their actual television reports may: (1) establish an estimate for crowd bearing situations (2) have listed the proper names of public persons involved in an affair of "national interest" (3) have included important points/ information (essential to be addressed) at that moment.

In essence, these situations may call for “unrehearsed” communication flow with the pressure of telling the story accurately, without exaggeration. Take a look at this example:

(Video courtesy: raffmano, The Bus Hostage Taker Rolando Mendoza at the Quirino Grandstand, Youtube.com)

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Reporting of stories delivered by field correspondents

with "prepared video clips"

Say, a long period of investigation of Hello Garci scandal in a session at the Senate, which started from 10 am without a solid dismissal time.

This kind of live coverage allows journalist's intervention to tell the story ‘significantly.’ With the advent of sophisticated broadcasting equipment, broadcasting networks have the swift advantage to convey breaking news. However, this calls for a good narration -- fast and effective.

Included in the choices are soundbites and set of package. A soundbite may be a cut from a long speech or an interview with authority or even the average man on the street. (Twain)

A package refers to an edited set of video clips for a news story common on television newscast narrated usually by a reporter. It is a story with audio, video, graphics and syntax.

In essence, this kind of live coverage consciously shows what had transpired in a certain beat, using edited video clips. The role of the reporters in live events like this becomes less intricate, as they are to tell only the latest happening up to that very moment of call to report. TV reporters too may now have the chance to supplement their live reports with strings of call to action. Take a look at this example:

(Video courtesy: TheABSCBNNews, PMP holds rally in Makati, Youtube.com)

In view of today’s news format wherein reports are only given a specific airtime, TV reporters in subscription to the highest standards of journalism should always find ways to be comprehensive and informative (not reduced to storytellers full of emotions).