Hi folks,
I had the opportunity to meet with WCCB news director Angela Robbins and she was nice enough to share some of her thoughts on the Charlotte media landscape and relationship between PR and media professionals. Check it out!
Q: How are you evolving as a TV news station and what can we look for in the future?
A: Finding ways to integrate the new digital technology into the news gathering process. Even with some inherent technical challenges, IP delivered video seems to be the future for broadcast news operations. We see more user generated video sources and social media platforms providing material to our newsroom. Our personnel will continue to master the new techniques and combine with the existing traditional technology to produce a more immediate and personal product for the viewers.
Q: What’s your biggest challenge at WCCB?
A: There is no “one” biggest challenge, but our industry is facing such fragmentation that accurate ratings measurement has become more and more complicated. With audiences using so many new devices and streams to capture television programming, calibrating an aggregate total of viewers is difficult to achieve. Audiences can now receive us over the air, through cable, satellite, DVR, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Game boxes just to name a few. Advertisers look for audience reach and if a station can be received in so many different ways, we must have a way to receive credit for a “total audience” figure.
Q: Why should people watch or pitch to WCCB over other news stations?
A: Viewers trust WCCB to deliver the big stories of the day. We see that every day and especially during major news events. Our audience composition contains the key demographics that advertisers covet. Our team of journalists is committed to top-quality newscasts from our state of the art Studio A – one of the most glamorous studios in the region. WCCB News Rising is a fresh alternative in the mornings. We’ve got the news, weather and traffic covered by an ensemble cast that is high on personality and fun. Check out the “Snark Report with Derek James” and “Wilson’s World.” At 10pm Morgan Fogarty leads our team with the news of the day and thoughtful franchises like “Defend Charlotte” and “The Get with Morgan Fogarty.”
Q: How can communication professional stand out from the crowd and make sure their news is being covered? Any tips, do’s or don’ts?
A: Getting to the decision makers is the key. In our newsroom, it’s our assignment editor and the managing editor. They receive hundreds of requests each day. If you’ve emailed and touched base by phone – you’ve covered all the bases. We appreciate it when people give us a little room and refrain from repeated calls and emails.
Now a couple questions for you: What are your thoughts on Angela’s responses? Are you pitching WCCB now? Will you be doing anything differently after reading this Q&A? We’d love to hear from you!