In Minneapolis, anchors are seeing some unexpected perks of working from home.
The Star Tribune profiled high-profile anchors and meteorologists who have transformed basements, guest rooms and kitchens into studios in the past month.
“At first I really fought it, but the news director didn’t really give me an option,” said KARE meteorologist Belinda Jensen, who has fresh flowers delivered weekly to brighten up her makeshift set. “But now, there’s a lot of things I like about it. It’s pretty nice that, between broadcasts, I can preheat the oven, prepare some vegetables and feed the puppies. Plus, I only have to dress nice from the waist up.”
The newspaper notes that, according to Nielsen, viewership of the less traditional newscasts are up big time: a 45% increase from a year ago.
Viewers are now getting the news and a glimpse into the lives of their favorite news personalities.
“I’ve become a voyeur,” said KARE anchor Julie Nelson, who admits that she took some extra time selecting the coffee table books on display during her at-home broadcasts. “Whenever Jimmy Fallon is on, I’m trying to get a look around. I’m always thinking, ‘Do those folks live in the type of house I thought they would or am I way off?’”
At KSTP and WCCO, anchors are still working from the station and sitting at least six feet apart.
“At WCCO, 80% of the entire staff is working remotely. But lead anchors Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello still report to the office and can cozy up next to each other at the desk. That’s because they’re married in real life,” the paper wrote.
You can read more about how anchors in the Minneapolis market are doing their part to make it work, just like talent across the country, here.