Basic TV Reporting, 2nd Edition

The Reporter as Manager

As we approach the end of the century, a team working on location for a typical news programme is likely to consist of no more than two people — a reporter and a camera-operator. Until the single ‘video-journalist’ becomes an industry standard, knowing how to be an effective leader will remain an integral part of the reporter’s job. Being in charge of the camera-operator usually goes with editorial responsibility for the story. Strong-willed professionals inevitably have differences of opinion from time to time, making ‘management’ a daunting prospect, but even as a newcomer you must always be assertive, take the lead and set the pace. At all times know what you want: inexperienced or freelance camera crews will expect ...