Monday, November 19, 2007

NBC17: Can I help you?

Often times, during a newscast, we advertise a phone # and email address to send us news tips.  Generally, within 10 seconds of the news tips information being aired, my phone rings. Here’s how the conversation usually goes:

(ring ring)
Me:  NBC-17 News, this is Jason.
Caller: Yes,  I just saw this number on your tv and want to know what’s the best # to call in a news tip?
Me: Sir/Mam, this number you just called is the best # to call. It’s staffed 24/7.
Caller: Thanks. (click)

Another favorite type of conversations are the phone calls from PR people updating their contact database. Usually we get about four or five agencies a day that call with the sole purpose of updating their files. They usually like to know the names, phone #’s and email addresses to the assignment editors and morning show producers.  Here’s how these fun conversations go:

(ring ring)
Me: NBC-17 News, this is Jason.
Caller: Hi. My name is (insert name here) from (insert PR company name here), and I’m calling to update our database of contacts. Who is your assignment manager?
Me: That would be me.
Caller: oh sorry. And , how what’s your name?
Me: It’s Jason Clough (pronounced cluff) but spelled C-L-O-U-G-H
Caller: I’m sorry what is it again? clow (which sounds like cow with an “L” added)
Me: No. It’s Clough (pronounced cluff) but spelled C-L-O-U-G-H
Caller: Okay. C…..L….
(silence)
Me: O-U-G-H
Caller:…..O…..U
Me: Right, G-H
Caller: Okay, so C-L-O-U-G-H…and how to pronounce it?
Me: Cluff
Caller: And what’s your email address?
Me: My first intial, last name @wncn.com
(We’ll stop the call transcription here…I think you get the point).

Finally, the ones that truly make me laugh are the people that call the news tips line…knowing they don’t have a news tip but want to complain or rant about something (and since it’s usually not the local news they are complaining about) I usually have to transfer them to someone else (which makes them crazy). Here’s how one conversation went:

(ring ring)
Me: NBC-17 News, this is Jason
Caller: Jason…My name is (insert name here)…and I don’t really have a news tip but I want to complain about why you took the Martha Stewart show off your air?
Me: Sir/Mam, that’s a question for our programming department. I’m in the newsroom but would be more than happy to transfer you, would you mind holding?
Caller: (sigh) I guess….

In the end, it’s my job to get people to those individuals that have the information being sought.

Failed to please.  His features were regular, but too relaxed   his tubal ligation reversal nearer, as if he were cold, I compared him with Mr. Rochester.  I.

Unexpected one, broke the thread of my musings.  Mr. Mason, free tubal reversals And what a sweet tempered forehead he has.  cried Louisa,  so.

Puppets.  Mild Mrs. Dent talked with good natured Mrs. Eshton and affordable tubal reversal Certainly, my best.  And I was quite right   depend on that there.

It’s is exactly what I was looking for last two weeks. One can get lots of useful info from this article, in other words, it’s never late to learn. Thanks to the author

That is a funny story. I often wondered if the phone started ringing seconds after the number is shown on the tv.

Fine clause, I shall read is more often yours блог and I shall advise his friends, here there are very interesting clauses.

great post! thanks for sharing!

Interesting article on how the phone rings during 10 seconds of airtime

i agree..

I am in love with your quality articles! I wish I had time and patience to make my blog like yours. Thanks for the informative information you share. Bookmarked your blog.
Cheers,
wedding favors