I can understand why knees are jerking and tongues are clucking over WXIA’s announcement that it’s engaging the services of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” diva NeNe Leakes. Perhaps like you, my initial reaction was visceral and negative. She’s a person I barely know from television. Yet I feel like I know enough: She’s mouthy, somewhat [...]
Archive for May, 2010
26 May
Vote for me
Some of my best and worst ideas come while running, which is something I do for exercise most mornings. Typically the brainstorms come during mile four and five. Many of the posts on this site are direct results of these moments, as well as moments parked alongside a glass of high-octane beer. One materialized after [...]
24 May
Use the children
The YouTubes are rife with images of hapless TV reporters appearing on camera while people act a fool behind them. If these encounters take place during live shots, there’s not a doggone thing you can do about it. Your best hope: React in a way that retains dignity while somebody clotheslines the reporter or moons [...]
21 May
Winne watch 5.13.10
“…Before one of three robbers posing as police gunned down Donnie Glass, one of them stole his big platinum ring with diamonds. And now (the detective) hopes a description of the fake cops rings true with someone who calls in a tip.” WSB’s Mark Winne, in a piece about the unsolved murder of a man [...]
19 May
Attribution
I was in an apartment complex, talking in my outdoor voice in the direction of a TV camera. I’d somewhat memorized the remarks, which would be placed within the body of a TV story in a format known as a “standup.” As I finished, I heard a voice: “How do you know what you said [...]
13 May
Check it out
Perhaps you missed Sunday night’s debut of “Check It out! With Dr. Steve Brule.” It appears on the Adult Swim division of Cartoon Network. Odds are, you aren’t part of the demographic they’re trying to reach. I know I’m not. Dr. Steve Brule is that guy on the local news who does interaction more than [...]
12 May
Sweeping performance
“Your mind is totally controlled. It has been stuffed into my mold. And you will do as you are told, until the rights to you are sold.” – Frank Zappa, “I’m the Slime” There are three reasons to watch local TV news. One: The content. Two: Your friend or family member is on TV. Three: [...]
9 May
FrenEmmys
Noteworthy, overlooked and undervalued observations from the 2010 Southeast Regional Emmy nominations, announced Friday: The region’s “best” news anchor may work in Montgomery, Albany GA, Jackson Miss. or Asheville. Mark Bullock, the Montgomery anchor (and UGA grad) who won an Emmy last year for “On-Camera Talent – Anchor – News,” is nominated again this year. [...]
5 May
The belcher
Only once in my long and illustrated career have I ever belched in a TV news package. It was a defining moment. Herein lie the details: “You wouldn’t believe what they’re doing over there.” The speaker was Rebecca Paul, the first president of the Georgia Lottery Corp. The year was 1996. Her office window overlooked [...]
3 May
Champagne and Billy Beer
In 1980, I asked Billy Carter to autograph a can of Billy Beer. He obliged. I still have it. I’ve never asked another celebrity for an autograph. In 1984, I approached David Brinkley in the lobby of the Savery Hotel in Des Moines IA and made him shake my hand. Brinkley was nothing but gracious. [...]
Recent Comments