Media at Nationals

[Michael Sperber]

Originally Posted by dlavery

The current practice of "free-range media" has an effect on the game in other ways as well. Because FIRST doesn't restrict their movements, the media members congregate at the front and sides of the field, where they can get the best views (and camera images) of the game play.

So the real question is how to we control the media is such a way that they do not interfere with the game/competition, but also get the images that they want and need? Of course, the follow-on question revolves around whether the image that the "want and need" is actually the best image for telling the whole story.

One solution I will propose is that a Media Guide is provided to each and every media crew that covers the event. These Guides will have an understanding of FIRST, the game, etc., and will be able to answer most questions that the media may have. These Guides will also know the areas where media crews will be allowed (certain areas around the field).

But the great thing about these Guides is that they will know what to look out for, whether it is a spectacular move, a dramatic event, etc. and can help point these things out to their media charges.

These Guides will have to work with their media guests to assure that they get the the shots that they need for their story.

I think we want the media to be a part of the event. But we dont want them to interfere... It is a fine line... We just need to figure out how to make it work for everybody invovled (FIRST, the teams, the sponsors, and the media).

-mike

[Bharat Nain]

The media men were definately in our faces. I remember at one of our matches the camera guy was right in front of me almost causing me to drop the robot(which could have been really serious).

We definately should take steps to prevent such things. I feel they should have a limit to how close they can get to the field, and also somebody talks to them about how not to inferfere and why not. It is definatley a great plus point to be filmed by the media and interviews etc...,.

Let's hope FIRST takes steps to prevent such stuff for future events, but at the same time give the media a fair amount of closeness so that they can get good footage and pictures all around.