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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCable networks pooling convention coverage to reduce number of employees
The cable news networks are planning to work together to pool their coverage of the Democratic and Republican national conventions to reduce the number of employees present amid the coronavirus pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
Leaders from CNN, MSNBC and Fox News are coordinating on regular calls to figure out pool coverage where networks use one video feed to limit the number of workers present, Rashida Jones, senior vice president of MSNBC and NBC News, told the newspaper.
MSNBC plans to have a light footprint at the conventions with remote coverage and reporters placed outdoors where social distancing is possible, Jones told the Journal. Our focus is covering the story, she said. It doesnt mean we have to be in the middle of the story, if its going to put our people in danger. Cherie Grzech, Fox News vice president of politics and the Washington bureau, told the Journal most of the coverage will be remote, but some reporters will be present. Its very important that people understand the responsibility that we hold ... to cover the event in the best way that we possibly can by keeping our personnel safe, Grzech said.
The Democratic National Convention will be held in Milwaukee, where presumptive nominee Joe Biden will accept the nomination, although state delegates are not expected to attend in person. The Republican National Conventions marquee events will take place in Jacksonville, Fla., while some events are still hosted in Charlotte. Parts of the convention were moved to Florida after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) refused President Trumps demands to lift all social distancing requirements for the event.
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/504935-cable-networks-pooling-convention-coverage-to-reduce-number-of-employees
mwooldri
(10,302 posts)A joint feed makes sense. I know for Formula 1 motor racing, F1 creates the feed and all broadcasters who have rights have that feed - and it's been this way for decades (I remember Murray Walker literally phoning in the commentary in the 1980s to the provided pictures). Would make sense for DNC/RNC to have their own master feed and supply to all interested parties. Wouldn't stop individual networks having their own crews nearby for supplementary coverage (interviews etc). Robotic cameras also would reduce/eliminate requirement for people.