Basic TV Reporting, 2nd Edition

Enter the Fire Brigade

Inevitably, the number of important foreign stories a good news organisation needs to cover each year includes many in areas not served by a resident correspondent. And while a proportion of these will be reported quite adequately by freelances, stringers or the agencies (see page 100), the rest will probably demand the distinctive approach which can be offered only by a staff journalist. This need is met by despatching one from elsewhere, often home base. So–enter a member of the ‘fire brigade’, with orders to provide comprehensive coverage, usually within hours of arrival.

Overcoming the first barriers

Working abroad on the shortest assignment can prove a journalistic nightmare for the inexperienced or unwary. Operating ...