A few days ago in a post I mentioned how as the days go on, writing will become even more important as the stories become more than just nuts and bolts. Also the good human interest stories won't be as easy to find. This should be especially troubling to KAKE and also KWCH, if they intend to have Kim Hynes find the stories. Tonight she had a story filled with great pictures of kids playing basketball on a court with half a roof on it. There were shots of kids crawling over things to get onto the court. The great elements were there, but she lacked the shine needed for a good story. She let the subject of the kids do her work for her, rather than crafting it into a great piece. With some thought and good execution she could have had a wonderful piece. Another example, over at KAKE. They probably had what could have been the best story of the the tornado coverage at the local level, because it certainly was the best subject matter. The law enforcement officer who died on Tuesday morning, had his family around him when he died. His engaged daughter was there. When the family decided that they would pull him from life support and let him die, she decided she wanted to be married in her father's presence, so she held his hand while she got married in the hospital room. She said it made her feel like her dad gave her away. What a great subject. Once again the elements were there. But do to the poor storytelling of Jeanine Kiesling, that story was buried in her piece on the officer. I normally wouldn't have stuck around for the end of the story. If she didn't want to give that part of the story away at the beginning, at least craft the story so you start with that daughter and end with her talking about getting married in her dad's presence. I think Jeanine has a habit of treating these like the crime stories she does with sound from the cops and being a pretty black and white story. This subject matter could have been turned into a fantastic piece.
Meanwhile over at KSN, they have been lacking some personal angles on the storm coverage. The other two have had better subject matter, but lacked the execution. KSN has had good information. For example Dana Hertneky's story on the high school athletic team getting things donated to them from major companies across the country was good. If she had the little nugget that Kim Hynes failed with, Dana's story really could have shined.
Tomorrow of course President Bush comes calling on Greensburg. I hope to find a way where I can see the live coverage and post a scorecard. We'll see if I can find a TV during the daytime. -Hal.
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2 comments:
Why so negative on most the KAKE reporters? Sure at times they are most aggressive, and will seek out stories that seem kind of dicey. But you really need to view KCTV out of Kansas City if you want true sleeze.
Another trend in 2007 seems to be that great storytelling= bad ratings. I'm not saying its a good thing, but it seems to be the truth now.
Hal & Jon,
you're both right about the need for good storytelling and the fact that most viewers don't care. I hate to be a "doom & gloomer" but most viewers sit down on the sofa with their bowl of ice cream to watch the news... and they'll watch the same newscast they've always watched.For those in the business it comes down to pride in the craft. They tell good stories because they know it's the best way to communicate and connect with viewers, even if it's the same viewers that always watch them. I think every serious reporter approaches his/her story with the goal of making it a memorable moment in the newscast.
Viewer loyalty in Wichita is incredibly high. Promotional gimmicks don't usually lure viewers to the competition. I believe part of this loyalty is due to the fact there is no real critical source of analysis. The big newspaper doesn't have a media critic to point out any of this to the public at large. What you do here is the closest thing I've seen but I only stumbled across your blog after an email from a friend. Keep up the good work. Maybe someone will 'pick you up' and viewers will become more aware. I mean, you'll never know if you like a Whopper if you only eat at Mickey D's.
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