The three major network affiliated stations in western Michigan are launching a news sharing arrangement. In an effort to expand the amount of local news that they can effectively cover WOOD-NBC 8, WWMT-CBS 3, and WZZM-ABC 13 will cooperate in shooting established events.
Beginning July 13, photographers will cover pre-planned stories, such as news conferences, court appearances, ground breakings, and other scheduled news events. News Directors or Assignment Editors will agree on which events will be covered by the pool. The footage will be shared with all three stations and each station will decide how to use the video.
The stations will take turns sending a photographer to cover these pre-arranged events. “We view this as a way to get more bang for our buck, if you will,” Jim Lutton, Vice President and General Manager of WWMT-3 told the Battle Creek Inquirer. “Pretty much right now you get the same shot at a press conference anyway.” More…