On the News Desk

I’m never sure how things like this happen, but it’s frustrating.  I think there was miscommunication all around this afternoon.  I say all around because the problem just wasn’t here in the newsroom.  We almost missed an important story all because the right questions weren’t asked and those who were supposed to have all the details had little information themselves.

An intern answered one of the many phone calls this afternoon and was told of an upcoming press event.  The event was...

I must share the craziness that I heard today because it’s all so random and on my mind.  I must share to make it a self-therapy of sorts.  If I have to deal with it, then you, who read this, can share and get a peek into the craziness I hear day in and day out.

As I walked onto the news desk this afternoon I heard from one of the scanner, Aurora I think but can’t be sure since I was just stepping onto the desk, “Reported vandalism of a car.  Caller says a man is hitting a car with a ...

I understand how difficult it is to be a PIO or PR rep during breaking news or a developing situation.  (For rest of post I will use PIO-Public Information Officer-to refer to all media reps.)  I relate to your job as I compare it to that of my own as an assignment editor.  I only know what is happening by what I’m told by news crews on scene, witnesses or PIOs; or by what I hear on the scanners. 

Producers, writers, editors, managers, reporters, photographers constantly ask me for more det...

I’ve been called many things and accused of many things by those who call the newsroom to share their complaints, frustration, and anger.  I’ve been accused of being an instigator by encouraging and rallying for reaction from the public.  I was thrown back a little the other day when a caller accused me and the media in general of NOT inciting the public.

When I answered the phone the caller immediately launched into his tale without pausing for breath.  He rambled about September 25^th ...

Since September 10^th when the undercover video at ACORN was released I, and my coworkers, have taken many calls, emails and social media comments on the story.  With confidence I can say 90% of the comments were nasty and mean.  Only a few times did I see an email, direct Twitter message, or phone call that didn’t make me brace myself for another lashing.  Those few comments were actually questions instead of accusation.  They were questions of “how is a national story like ACORN covered ...

This afternoon the news desk received two very viable news tips.  I was unable to confirm either tip.  My gut tells me that tomorrow, both tips will be a story.

It’s frustrating when this happens.  I can only do so much from the news desk like make as many calls as possible until I reach anyone who will give me an answer.  If the answer is no comment or no that’s incorrect, I’m stuck. 

I’m on the news desk communicating through email, phone calls and even Twitter.  None of this r...

This afternoon the news desk received the below email with a simple subject line of "Hello".

Hello! I dream, to meet my significant other, a native part of soul, a kind, fair, true the person who can establish a strong, friendly family. In which there will be a main thing, respect, trust, love, sincerity, to each other. I will be very happy to see your letters here: (Web address listed here)

Attached to the email is a picture of a beautiful young lady in a red clingy, but not too revealin...

I have mentioned before the amount of email we receive on the news desk.  Hundreds.  We have to sort through them for vital information needed by deadline; for press releases updating continuing stories or notices for upcoming events; for internal station and corporate memos; and for valid news tips.  I think only half of what is emailed is actually useful to us.  The rest is basically spam from companies (news wire services, and even some PR firms) all over the nation doing mass emails to al...

Me: "CBS4 News this is Misty"

Caller:  "This is John Doe and you don't know me from hell cause I've kept it that way but I just have to do something to help Michael.  You see I was a child actor and under contract with Disney at 18.  Then I went on to be a producer at Liberty UA.  I worked with Dick Clark to create the American Music Awards."

(I didn't interrupt, but I knew I was in for a long call if I let it go on, but it was quiet in the newsroom and he wasn't being irate or belligerent.  I ...