Before you do everything live, it is essential to do a full technical rehearsal. This is also a good opportunity to have the News Anchors practice their introduction or lead into the Field Report Segment.

The operator for the media laptop must be sure to hide the mouse and play/stop button menu on the video player. Putting the video in full-screen mode should hide the control buttons.

Be creative!

You can do a variety of transitions from the news anchors to a video clip. The transition bar, or T-Bar, allows the switcher operator to do slow dissolves. Wipes can be creative, but it is important not to make it distracting for the viewers.

The Audio Mixer and Audio Transitions

It is the job of the sound engineer, or audio mixer, to properly mix all the audio levels for the news show and ensure the viewers can hear what, or who, is on screen. When the news anchors begin their introduction, and the media laptop has the video clip ready to play, the audio mixer will fade the input for the media laptop. At the conclusion of the news anchors’ lead-in, the video clip will begin playing, and the audio mixer will fade out their microphones so the viewers can only hear the audio from the video clip. This way, the news anchors can take a short break, and not worry about the viewers hearing them while they are off camera.

Smiles and Timing 

After the lead-in by the news anchors is complete, they should smile and look at the camera while the switcher operator transitions to the video clip. The transition may not always be fast or as smooth as planned, as is often the case with live productions, so the audience may still be looking at the news anchors. The switcher operator or director can give the news anchors a ‘thumbs up’ when they are off camera and take a short break until they are back on air.

Another way to help the news anchors with timing is if you are using tally lights on your cameras. The news anchors will know they are off air when they see that the red or ‘on air’ tally for their cameras is off. When the video clip is almost over, put the news anchor’s camera in preview so a green light will turn on to alert the anchors that they must be ready. A silent countdown from the director will also help the news anchors. If you are able to give your talent all of these tools, you will have a smooth, professional news show. This exercise gives students a great opportunity to collaborate and work together, teaching them team-building skills.