For those who turn to news sources for the most recent update on the coronavirus, they may have noticed their favorite anchors no longer sitting right next to each other.
For many, news stations are a main source of important information. During a pandemic such as COVID-19, this is found to be especially true. With 45 states enduring some sort of a stay-at-home order, according to The New York Times on April 7, 2020, and social distancing guidelines encouraging those who do need to go out to stay at least six feet away from others, businesses have had to adapt quickly.
News stations have especially been challenged to adapt as they continue to update the public on any new information from the government. Fox & Friends gave viewers a wide view to show their in-studio social distancing.
Goldene Brown, ONU graduate and anchor/MMJ for KKCO in Grand Junction, CO, said her station began with anchoring six feet apart from her coworkers. After a little while, Brown moved to at-home reporting. Her station provided her with lighting, a camera and tripod, and a microphone as well as access to the news car for any on-site reporting.
Goldene Brown
KKCO Anchor/MMJ
ONU Class of ’19
Though reporters still need to go on site to capture video b-roll to accompany the audio in their news story packages, Brown added that KKCO has instructed reporters to clean equipment between interviews and has provided hand-sanitizer for any interviewees.
Interviews are one of the key components to giving a news story strong credibility. Using interviewees as sources also gives a story a more personal touch. Typically an interview would be done in person, but in recent days reporters have had to adapt to this part of the job as well. As shown in the video below, reporters from NBC news are conducting interviews through video services such as FaceTime and Zoom.
Amid the pandemic many have accused news stations of reporting falsely bringing extra worry and stress to their viewers. Though mistakes do happen, Brown added that a news station’s job is to tell the truth.
We are trying our best to tell the whole truth and be fair and accurate, especially right now.
Goldene Brown, KKCO
Media usage has gone up rapidly since the beginning of the virus. Finding that the virus has created great amounts of fear and depression, some have turned to other media sources such as Youtube, Netflix, and Facebook.
Though the constant word of the virus may lead to feelings of worry and anxiety, the numbers have shown that people are still searching for the latest update.
According to The New York Times’ article The Virus Changed the Way We Internet, local news sites have increased traffic from 50-150 percent from January to March. The article also shows that people are going to larger and more reliable news sources rather than more opinionated partisan sites.
News has clearly had an important role during these times. Deemed an essential business, news stations have had to adapt in several different ways due to the virus. As they continue to update the public and report the truth, viewers can literally see how they have to follow the rules too.
