Publisher's Synopsis
A proven game-changer in the way local TV news is produced, "...Like No One's Watching" is the step-by-step guide to transforming your local newscast into a Hit TV Show! Written for producers, directors, anchors, reporters, news directors, and all levels of station group management, this one-of-a-kind reference exposes the so-called "secret sauce" that was never really much of a secret - it's right there on the TV screen for all to see. Producer Raymond J Brune reveals how he witnessed his lousy, little, local morning newscast evolve into a massive monster hit - completely by accident! And by repeating every step along the way, he's gone on to produce compelling, engaging, #1-rated newscasts for local stations, cablers and networks coast-to-coast. Ray details how-to: a) produce your newsreaders into jump-off-the-screen personalities in a 12-step process, b) pick, package and present your content for relevance and maximum tease value, c) turn data-processing producers into authentic, high-performing showrunners, d) create unique Signature Segments that viewers identify with your show alone, e) book segments and guests based solely on what value they bring to your personalities, f) allow your director to override the automation and direct a live, "in the moment", freeform newscast, g) overcome the left-brain dominance of station groups to allow right-brain creativity to return to the screen, h) learn to interpret research and keep those Walkaway Joes (aka: consultants) from infecting your newscasts with Setwalkers, Brand Beaters and Not-So-Breaking News.Ray recounts the fun and the foibles in producing personality-driven newscasts for Robin Roberts, Jerry Springer, Bill Ritter, Mort Crim and the dream-team anchors of the KTLA Morning News - the highest-rated local morning show - ever! "...Like No One's Watching" enhances your newscast's journalistic integrity by allowing your personalities to become storytellers - letting them emotionally connect with viewers which leads to repeat viewers. This book is a reference, how-to, and memoir all-in-one that will transform your local newscast into Hit TV Show!
