Where Does Local TV News Go From Here?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on Texas broadcast television newsrooms. It would have been unheard of to remotely and routinely produce or anchor a TV newscast from home a decade ago, yet Texas televisions stations are doing just that. Radio news staff were far better situated to work remotely and much more used to the experience.

How our “new normal” will shape TV newsrooms of the future is an unfolding story.

Which is why a new study by the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University is an interesting snapshot of where industry veterans think the broadcast industry currently is and where it may go in the future.

“News directors believe that what's taking place now will permanently change the industry,” researcher Bob Papper writes in the study.

“Even if it's not clear exactly how that will play out.”
The report looks at the human impact on newsrooms, changes to newsgathering and production, as well as the hopes and concerns of U.S. TV news directors.

Despite anxiety and stress in a profession that already had both in ample supply, newsroom managers do see bright spots such as technological innovation and reconnection with local audiences, but also voiced concerns about the long-term future and financial viability of newsgathering.

Local TV News May Never Be the Same is an interesting, and timely research report, which can be found here on the RTDNA website.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.