During this time of the year, it is common for news outlets to recount or revisit the major stories and recap the events that may be seen as shaping the previous 365 days we leave behind.
Every platform will pause to take a look back at “the stories that shaped the year and made 2023 a year quite like no other in history,” or some other kind of overstated claptrap that is really unnecessary to claim.
That’s not something I choose to do.
Most of us know what has happened, remember without prompting, or will be reminded of it as another piece of an ever-connecting puzzle reveals itself in due course.
On the contrary, what I would like to see more of during the holiday season is the platforms turning inward a little and giving their audience just a bit more information about how they get what they get every day and who makes that happen.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work in some very enjoyable news settings with people who to this day impress me with their abilities and talent while honoring me with their friendship and workplace camaraderie.
A sizable number of them are those we see, listen to, and read, while the majority work behind the scenes, and their names are only mentioned on rare occasions or listed in the extended roll of credits in the crawl that closes out the final show of the year.
It’s important to remember that not everyone gets a byline, a lower third, or a mention on the air and that is perfectly acceptable. It’s not often in the job description and it is what the majority of people in the field of journalism knew when they signed up.
I am not referring to an increased show of appreciation for the workforce by station management, the parent companies, or networks. I have been party to great acknowledgments and givebacks over the years. No matter what the business is, if an employer is going to show appreciation, they will do it without prompting.
I speak towards more of a reward for those who support us, those who want to be in the know and look to us for information.
The audience.
Tell them all about how it all comes about and who is making that happen. Give a bit more of the inside information that does not have to be whittled down to a follow-along by the on-air news anchors on social media platforms.
A couple of weeks ago, I addressed disdain for letting the audience in too much via social media, live behind-the-scenes streaming and discussions of makeup, hair, and wardrobe so let me be clear here: When we watch films and television shows, the credits appear at the beginning and the end of the show and I am one of those goons who actually watches them. Don’t laugh, there are more of us out there than you can imagine.
A few are standing right behind you. (No, don’t turn around.)
If the powers that be are forever looking for ways to make their news content more personal, more folksy, and more human, how about first affirming that there are many more ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Come year-end holiday time and maybe throughout the year, there should be carefully crafted reminders that it takes so much more than an on-air team of three or four and some reporters in the field to make the wheels turn.
And I mean more than just an anchor mention that the director or producer is “talking in my ear,” or a live shot reporter narrating as “my photographer zooms in on the top of the massive building fire you’re looking at.”
Producers. Writers. Assignments. Graphics. Lighting. Directors. That’s six job areas right there that are accompanied by countless others most people have absolutely no clue about. There’s little reason to rattle off more as the bulk of readers here already know them all.
Think of two holiday gifts that keep on giving.
Knowledge and Acknowledgement.
Our supporters are clued into things many never knew before and the way they watch, read, and listen to us becomes that much more enhanced.
Those who provide the foundation and content for virtually all that is accomplished each day are afforded that much more recognition with minimal opportunities for being stalked.
In the meantime, I anticipate there be plenty of similarities between the years, old and new.
In both the events to be covered and the business itself.
There will be more downsizing, finger-pointing, embarrassment, gaffs by staff and management, and a look towards the future of each platform.
Talk radio will remain consistent, continuing to set a stage for unimaginative conversation, feigned fields of knowledge, and weak interviews. Low expectations will be met, no new ground broken, and the host’s belief they are somehow making a difference in clarifying issues and swaying undecided voters and independent thinkers.
Newscasts will shrink just a little more to squeeze in just one more pharmaceutical or car dealership spot.
Network reporters will once again stand in flood waters, high winds and war-ravaged areas while local live shots will be interrupted by a city’s best and brightest while animals and children will refuse to cooperate.
Just as predictable will be the greatest of achievements, the moments in journalism that all strive for, and the things that make us proud.
Not a bad gig, actually.
Bill Zito has devoted most of his work efforts to broadcast news since 1999. He made the career switch after serving a dozen years as a police officer on both coasts. Splitting the time between Radio and TV, he’s worked for ABC News and Fox News, News 12 New York , The Weather Channel and KIRO and KOMO in Seattle. He writes, edits and anchors for Audacy’s WTIC-AM in Hartford and lives in New England. You can find him on Twitter @BillZitoNEWS.
