Day before the newscast: Identify possible vo/sot stories that you can send crews out on if no stories emerge that morning.
Touch base with reporters on their packages, including topic and length (if known).
Day of the newscast:
7:30 a.m.- Arrive at the Armory. Look through newspapers and news web sites.
8 a.m. Check CNN Newsource website for rundown. Begin formatting rundown, filling in reporter packages, vo/sot's, and other stories. Estimate times, rather than waiting for all stories to be finished!
8:45 a.m. Story meeting with reporter/photographer teams. Be ready to send them out the door shortly with vo/sot, “look-live” and/or “think tank” assignments.
9:45 a.m. Get rundown from sports anchor by this time, to type into the main rundown.
10 a.m. Have rundown finished and ready for the director to fill in technical information. (The director fills in shots and designates tape machines.)
10:45 a.m. Begin ripping scripts.
11 a.m. Entire crew should be ready to leave for the studio.
11:15 a.m. Start rehearsal in the studio. If you are ready earlier, start the rehearsal as soon as the production crew is ready. Rehearse the top of the newscast first, and then try to practice sports or any part of the show that may be difficult for the technical staff.
12:00 p.m. Show Time!
12:29:57 Newscast is off the air.
12:30-12:45 Quick review of the newscast for news and production crews.