Week Nine: Yet Another Lesson

iNews is the system we use to create a show, and this week I got to learn all about it. It may not seem like it, but 10 hours is barely enough to create a one-hour show on primetime. Our production team consists of writers, editors, production assistants, associate producers, segment producers, graphics, video editors, bookers, and many more people that do a variety of tasks. Each segment of the show is approximately 6 minutes and we've usually got 8 segments every night. Each segment has a unique overlay, including various voice-overs, SOT's, text boxes, panels, etc. This means that each segment producer is in charge of making that 6-minute production the most challenging, catchy, clear, concise, and exciting as they can.

In the morning production meeting, it is decided which segments will cover which aspects of the news. Then, the segment producer, along with his or her team, gathers data, facts, quotes, videos, interviews, and potential guests for the show in order to make that piece of news exciting and innovative for the viewers. This is the production method of broadcast journalism. All of this work, and the actual formatting of the show happens on the iNews program.

I walked into the class, opened up the program and stared at the screen, utterly confused. All I saw where random boxes and folders with no mental map for me to follow. Our trainer started with the specifics, telling us what defined each area and how all these random tools were interconnected. That gave me immediate clarity. I saw how the tools functioned with one another to create a programming tool that could be used by an entire production team without confusing overlap. We were then asked to create model segments of shows so that we could practice writing script, packaging content, writing server commands, and inserting video commands all into iNews. Unless all this is done properly, the show will not air clearly. When we see an anchor toss to video, there is a specific command for that. Or when a SOT is heard, the server has to call that up according to a command function. After learning all these tools, I better understood how television production happens and why sustaining viewership is important.

Outside of work, this week was a very community heavy time. I delivered content in the Jamat Khana and I was able to focus my energies on sustaining my school and work side, while not losing touch with the aspect of faith. Some weeks this is harder, but this week the balance felt natural. I was very in touch with the faith of my work and the work in my faith, if that makes sense. Everything seemed to have a purpose. I was even able to make some time to help remotely prepare for my cousin Sanam's wedding the following week. And as the week ended, I was ready to head out and encounter the Hooda family back in Texas!