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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

LESSON 04

OUTDOOR BROADCASTING I

Many times programs have to be covered away from the cozy, air-conditioned and rather calm

studios of a broadcasting station. Making these programs is sometimes very demanding. It is

raining outside, or chilly whether posing a threat or conditions are too hot and humid but you

cannot escape the assignment. The place you are going to make a piece for broadcast is

dusty, ugly, narrow city lanes or vast expanse of countryside where road condition is shabby

and recklessly driven tractor-trolleys are moving around frequently, people out there are not

very supportive, and the worst, some part of the equipment goes out of order. Help me God,

this should not cost me my job, a producer may howl.

Forget the hazards. Let's see when essentially an outdoor broadcast is required:

VIP Movement

It is common all around the world that dignitaries belonging to the governments or diplomatic

circles keep visiting places of public life. A broadcasting station is supposed to cover the

functions held in honor of VIPs.

The first hassle they encounter is to get through the security network by obtaining security

passes from the relevant departments and display those prominently all through the event.

Then, arrange an outdoor broadcast (OB) van to carry the staff and the equipment hours

before the arrival of the dignitary.

You have to fix your microphone at a very appropriate position for recording the sound and lay

power lines and leads of your equipment. Some time the power point is quite away and your

lead is not that long. The security agencies are generally not very friendly. Since they are

already doing a very sensitive job, the security personnel do not allow you move at all over the

place. The rush of the people is also very confusing for the OB team who is not familiar with

the place. Some how things have been managed and now the whole unit is waiting for the VIP

to come and speak. Waiting, waiting, waiting...

What may be the worst to happen, and perhaps little common too, it is announced in the

eleventh hour that place for the function has been changed! No, don't strike your head against

the wall, pack up friends quickly and manage matters at the changed venue.

Suddenly Assigned Events

Not the VIP movement bothers you to outdoor coverage, at times an unscheduled assignment

may come up. This time it is an outbreak of a fire at an important city installation. Or floods

have struck the town, an earthquake has caused ruination, you are supposed to rush out

rather unexpected. Don't leave your equipment behind, especially the microphone!

Collecting Reactions

On mega events, you need to collect reactions from people in the streets. Like their views on

the annual budget, political developments, some regional changes or seeing people who have

witnessed a rail accident. An outdoor broadcast is a must.

Road Shows

Getting very popular these days, broadcasting houses are inclined to go to the people for

talking to them for fun sake, or on serious issues. Special OB teams are arranged to move in

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

different directions to collect the needful within a time frame. This is an interesting

development, though not for the broadcasters, you may guess.