Wanna go scriptless? There’s an app for that…

Have you noticed KTUU Channel 2 News Anchors using iPads instead of paper scripts? They’ve been using the iPads for about a week, according to Megan Baldino who is an anchor for the 5 O’Clock Report and The Late Edition.

So how does it all work? Channel 2 staff uses ENPS (Essential News Production System) software for the newsroom computer system. ENPS has an app which allows anchors to view scripts and newscast rundowns on their iPads. In essence, it works as a mini teleprompter.

As a former producer, I was curious about how anchors would handle updating scripts on the fly or dropping stories during the newscast. Baldino said they are still working out all of those details, but adds the transition is going well and anchors will be paperless on the set in a few months.

A quick search showed WFXL-TV in Albany, GA and WFSB in Hartford, CT made the switch from paper scripts to iPads, as well. The news organizations noted the change is cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.

The season of silence

I’ve been fairly silent this week amidst lots of online noise. It’s not typical for me to be quiet in online channels because my job is to tweet and post for clients. The talking-to-listening shift happened Tuesday, August 10, the day the story broke about the fatal plane crash near Dillingham, involving former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens. Five people died and four others were injured in the crash.

On Tuesday morning, the local Twitter community was focused on information involving questions of who, what, when and where. As I checked my timeline, I saw acts of leadership among local professionals who worked hard to responsibly answer those questions. I read tweets filled with frustration when facts and sources were called into question. There was confusion as information, some correct and some incorrect, buzzed across online channels. It was a lot to take in. I got quiet. I knew people in my online community were close friends, co-workers, and possibly family members of those who perished in the crash. I knew some were still devastated by the deadly C-17 crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base just weeks ago. Nothing seemed appropriate to say.

I shared a couple of news stories that had confirmed, factual information, posted condolences from my client, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and have since been doing more listening than talking.

The focus is now on the how and why of the story. Details of the final moments before the plane crashed are likely to be revealed in the coming days. Survivors may share their stories and mourners will gather next week for a memorial. Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca once said, “It is a great thing to know the season for speech and the season for silence.” Out of respect, the coming days will mark my season of online silence.