2013 Atlantic Journalism Awards Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | Stanhope fire |
|---|---|
| Date Aired or Published | April 23/14 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | CBC PEI |
| Name of Program: | Compass |
| If co-produced, list partner: | |
| Location: | Prince Edward Island |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | 8:18 (total elements) |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: CBC PEI received reports of a fire at the historic Stanhope Resort late in the afternoon of April 23. At that point, we weren't sure as to the extent of the fire. The timing made it a challenge, as it only gave us an hour to get on site, gather information, provide live coverage as well as video from the scene in our 5 pm TV newscast. It also coincided with the afternoon radio show Mainstreet and the 4:30 local radio newscast, which were both in need of live coverage as well. The producers sent two VJs - Federico Cahis and Steve Bruce - to the scene so they could gather elements, feed them back via Dejero (a suit-case-sized live and tape transmission piece of equipment) and do live hits into the 5 and 6 supper-hour newscasts and CBC radio programs as well. By the time Steve and Federico arrived, the resort was fully engulfed in flames with more than 40 fire fighters at the scene. Both VJ's teamed up to gather shots of the burning buildings and interviews with the fire marshal, the owner and an employee. While one VJ was shooting, the other was firing up and testing the Dejero so they'd be ready for the TV live hit, while also keeping in touch with producers and the radio news reader. The two managed to gather interviews, feed photos at first and then video to the control room and then set up the live hit for TV. At the same time, they updated the situation for radio and twitter. For the live TV content, the photos arrived in studio just minutes before the first live hit. Then, of live video link was fired up as well. In terms of resources, both VJ's drove separately to the scene. One brought camera gear, while the other brought the Dejero. Both VJ's had limited experience with the Dejero, especially under such tight time constraints. However, they rose to the occasion and insured we provided top-notch coverage of the dramatic fire. Compass is a 90 minute news show. This entry brings together 5 segments that happened in the order presented - throughout our 90 minute show. |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: normal daily newsroom resources were used for this coverage. |
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