11Alive News at Four
In September of 2023, I made a shift at WXIA - from the weekends to producing a new weekday 4 p.m. newscast.
It’s safe to say that this has been - SO FAR - the largest challenge of my local journalism career.
Trying to navigate through this new newscast has not been easy … but, I think we’re doing alright!
Take a look … and stay tuned!
Think Big!
One of the purposes of the 4 p.m. show is to be that “front of house” experience for you to come in, make yourself comfortable, and let us tell you what’s going on. The hope is viewers start at 4, then stick around for the 5 p.m. show, and then cap it off by watching our 6 p.m. newscast.
… and that comes with kicking off strong! With the team I’m now with on this newscast, that’s no trouble at all. Faith, Jonathan, Melissa, and Crash are the Grade-A talent any producer would want to have on their side!
On Oct. 11, 2023, twe had the Braves back in the postseason, taking their NLDS to Philadelphia. So, we had to ensure that “You’re looking live!” feel was there! The trick here was to weave this fun story in amidst all the other more-serious news stories of the day.
To watch the full show, click here.
Breaking and Developing
Having a 60-minute newscast at 4 p.m. means you’re bound to have your fair share of breaking news come while you’re on the air.
On Oct. 18, 2023, we were monitoring two homicide scenes that day and led the show live from each. Then, we had a major apartment fire break out and we were also live from that scene.
The news wasn’t just local. There was the ongoing saga over picking a new Speaker of the House and we went live to Washington to get the latest developments from Capitol Hill.
… and then, during our second half hour, our traffic expert says “We got a major red alert here!” That forced some quick thinking to get that news on the air first.
To watch the full show, click here.
Let’s Talk!
Yes, reporters and anchors are in the business of talking. However, there’s also something called “crosstalk” - the off-the-cuff interaction with your colleagues that doesn’t require a teleprompter.
Having once been a reporter and anchor, there’s an art form with it and it’s not easy. I am one which appreciates this in a local newscast. When I see the talent just talking and not reading, you get a better sense of the personality behind the semi-rigid persona.
On Oct. 9, 2023, we had plenty of chances to have anchors and reporters engage in crosstalk. Some of it was serious. However, with the Braves hosting Game 2 of their NLDS with the Phillies that night, we also had a little fun. This is the first half-hour … but, there’s some golden moments in the second half of the show!
To watch the full show, click here.