AN EXTRA MILE ALONG THE NILE: A LIVE BROADCAST JOURNEY

Live broadcasting can be very challenging. The coming together of creative ideas, editorial supervision, financial controls, as well as technical capabilities, is at the centre of such an elaborate TV production. And this was clearly demonstrated along the Nile, during a seven-day live broadcast journey.
 

The prior planning had been meticulous, and already, there were amazing features awaiting to be aired.

The only elements required were the live links. Did I just say only?

The locations required had to be scouted and authorisation sought in advance from relevant government departments and property owners.

Then the technical support crew had to set up their equipment, and ensure everything was working.

This is daunting, if it entails changing locations, and considering the need for reliable power supply, especially in remote areas.

Then the editorial team has to brainstorm and craft the content, which in turn has to be achievable, production wise.

So grand ideas easily get discarded, if the camera angles are not able bring out the desired sequence of visuals.

Then there is the establishing of a live link, which could mean a signal crossing continents, followed by audio and video level checks.

Here, it's instructive to note that, no matter the zeal of the location crew, if the material being sent out to the broadcasting centre does not meet set technical specifications, then it simply will not be transmitted.

Professionalism rarely gets compromised, no matter who is giving the orders.

And as for the on air talent, numerous rehearsals are part of the routine. And when it's showtime, there's constant thinking on the feet, as they balance between recalling their talking points, while implementing instructions from the director, (without the luxury of an Autocue).

Behind the scenes, there could be numerous activities, with a number of people constantly ensuring the broadcast is smooth.

All manner of challenges do arise, but with such teamwork, the audience would hardly realize something had gone wrong.

Such was the experience, in an amazing live broadcasting journey along various points of the River Nile, in Egypt, of which I was very privileged to have been part of.

CUTTING EDGE AND COMING OF AGE IN LIVE NEWS BROADCASTS

It can now safely be said that Kenyan news broadcasting standards have crossed the line between technically deplorable and professionally adorable. After many years of being unable to have more than two external live video sources on air, one local station has finally cracked it. 

And what a beauty it was, to watch the four-way split screen. It's a refreshingly different delivery, and a far higher notch in the local broadcasting scene.

But, without wishing to blow the channel's bubble too soon, there's an uncanny resemblance between the above scenario and the one below!

And that is undoubtedly the benefit of adopting global best practises, to liven up and raise local broadcasting standards.

Here, it is more of skills and technology transfer, rather than pure aping of the broadcasting style of a foreign TV station, for those who get my drift.