ITV
ITN prides itself in reacting swiftly to unpredictable events. In fact, we’ve built our reputation on it for more than 50 years. And our work with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) mirrors much of what we do in television news.
When the DEC tells us that an international crisis has reached a seriousness that merits a coordinated TV and Radio appeal, we have to move fast. By definition, an international crisis will already be very high on the ITN news agenda. It’s certain that we will have carried reports on the subject, and highly likely that we will already have news teams covering events in the area.
DEC appeals need relevant, up-to-date video. They need clear and distinctive graphics. They may also need high-end production treatment to distinguish them from a conventional news report. And they generally need to be fronted by a TV personality.
We immediately co-opt a producer from one of the news programme teams. The producer writes the script (in conjunction with the DEC); commissions the graphics; briefs the presenter, and works with a craft editor on the video sequences.
I act as the link person between the DEC and the producer. The DEC provides factual information for the script, it can sometimes provide additional video from charities on the ground, and it will often make first contact with the celebrity presenter.
Production of the appeal is generally completed in a day. After approval from the TV Network, it generally runs at the end of the main early evening news – and the news programme’s editorial time is reduced that day to accommodate it.
ITN is proud to be a partner in the Rapid Response Network. And we hope the benefits of our contribution are there for all to see.
Robin Elias Managing Editor ITV News