These ideas worked at WTLV-TV, Jacksonville:
Update Center
"We created a Gulf Update Center in our super edit suite adjacent to the newsroom,"
said News Director Bob Sullivan.
It was a visual reference point that they used in their newscasts whenever they had
extra videotape that had come in.
Radio Coverage
Besides their current simulcasting relationships, WTLV managers arranged with two
more radio stations to simulcast their news and special reports.
"If you're on your way home or away from your television, stay tuned on the latest
from the Gulf with our News on 12 reports..."
Recorded Hotline Message
The managers created a 6-line news summary hotline that was updated after every
newscast, or when developments occurred. The hotline included the latest
developments, a complete list of support groups, and a tease for the next newscast.
Mideast Minute
This ran in their 6. It was reported out of their update center and was a quick look at
other developments in the Gulf that day which were usually of smaller significance.
Other Departments
WTLV enlisted the support of people in other departments in handling the volume of
information coming into the newsroom. When people from other departments had
down time, Sullivan asked them to take it in the newsroom where they could answer
phones.
Community Profiles
The hometown impact was the focus of a feature on WLBT-TV, Jackson.
America at War: Community Profile ran about three times a week.
"We are doing regular reports on how communities are coping with the loss of wage
earners, husbands, fathers, and sons," said Dennis Smith, News Director.
There were many possible stories. Suddenly, single moms who were in the reserves
because they needed the money were being shipped out. A few businessmen trumped
up charges against reservist workers and fired them. Self-employed people sent to
Arabia saw the businesses they built evaporate.
The WLBT newsteam profiled Mississippi industries that manufactured many of the
supplies used to fight the war, anything from uniforms to plastic eating utensils.
