Philadelphia’s local stations are getting ready do what their counterparts in Cleveland are doing this week, cover a national political convention in their hometown.
When the Democratic National Convention starts up on Monday, the expectation for drama inside and outside the Wells Fargo Center means local stations will be prepared to cover the spectacle, while making sure their crews stay safe.
“Our stations – NBC10 (WCAU) and Telemundo62 (WWSI) — just completed Situational Awareness Training put on by our company’s security team so our news teams have been trained to cover news while minimizing threats to their safety,” vp of news Anzio Williams told TVSpy. “There are protocols for covering peaceful marches, protests or stand-offs.”
WTXF news director Jim Driscoll told TVSpy the Fox-owned station is increasing security and has plans in case something happens.
“Our plan will be covering the floor and any interesting proceedings beyond that,” Driscoll said about his station’s coverage plan. “We expect to talk to people in the city about what’s happening and have some live interviews with some current and past politicians.”
ABC-owned WPVI told TVSpy it expects protests and demonstrations throughout the city, but didn’t get into safety concerns for its crews.
WPVI also told TVSpy it will be doing live man-on-the-street commentary on Facebook and will embed itself “at the Famous 4th Street Deli for ‘The 4th Street Face Off’, where we allow spirited debate from both sides of an issue.”
“Our stations are ready to execute their local coverage of the Democratic National Convention,” said Williams. “Which includes expanded hours of local news for NBC10 viewers the week the DNC is in town.”