HomeMy WebLinkAboutR02-Economic Development Agency
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qEVELOPIIBRT DIPA:Rnwo: or TBB 0
CITY or SAIl BlRlWmIltO
REOUEST FOR COMMISSION/COURCIL ACTION
From:
KENNETH J. HENDERSON
Bzecutive Director
Subject: IIILAND EMPIRE TBLBVISIOJl
JIBWS SERVICE FEASIBILITY
STUDY (PJIASB II)
Date:
July 23, 1991
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Synopsis of Previous Commission/Council/Committee Action:
None.
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Recommended Motion:
(Mavor .nd Common Coun~ill
That the Mayor and Common Council authorize the conducting of Phase II
of the Inland Empire Television News Service feasibility study
involving the raising of funds in support of the Inland Empire news
operation and appropriate forty-two thousand ($42,000) in
Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO) residual funds for financing
of the subject study.
7S
J. RSOJl
Executive Dir tor
Administrator
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Contact Person(s): Dean Grav
Phone:
5147
Project Area(s): All Proiect Areas
Ward(s):
All Wards
Supporting Data Attached:
Staff ReDort
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Amount: S 42.000
Source:
CMO Funds
Budget Authority:
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Commission/Council Jlotes:
KJH:lab:0052E
COMMISSIOJl AGEBDA
Meeting Date: 07124/91
Agenda Item Jlo: r::2-
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DBVELOl'tWI'r DBPAn'MEB'l
STAFF REPORT
Inland BmDire Television Revs Service
Feasibilitv Stndv
The Development Department has previously funded Phase I of a
television news operation feasibility study utilizing Collateralized
Mortgage Obligation (CMO) residual funds ($48,000). The Mayor and
members of the Common Council have previously received under separate
cover a copy of this study entitled "Inland Empire News - The Report"
submitted in June of this year.
Based upon this study and its findings regarding strong interest in the
community for a local nightly newscast and related programming, it is
recommended that the Mayor and Common Council approve Phase II of this
project in which professional services would be provided by Creative
Communications Associates, Inc.
Creative Communications has proposed professional services in the areas
of fund raising (six (6) montha) and initial implementation
(twenty-four (24) montha). Based upon tbe results of Phase I and the
services proposed, staff recommends adoption of the form motion.
J. 011. Izecutive Director
Developaent De artment
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KJH:lab:0052B
COItIIISSIOII AGBIIDA
Meeting Date: 07/24/91
A Proposal
o
corporate Communications
VIdeo Pfoc:IuclIon
ultlng
Creative Communications Associates, Inc.
(hereinafter CCAI) proposes a relationship with the
City of San Bernardino to represent consultinq services
which encompass fund raisinq for, and implementation
of, the Inland Empire news service.
CCAI recoqnizes the unique position which the
development and implementation of an Inland Empire news
o
represents.
Althouqh fund raisinq is phase one, it must be
inteqrated with the initial staqes of implementation.
(phase two)
CCAI proposes a minimum six month consultinq
contract to be followed by a twenty-four month
aqreement for implementation and operation. CCAI will
provide sixty hours of executive time per month in
efforts to raise both capital and operational fundinq.
These efforts will include, but not be limited to, the
followinq:
c:; continued.....
Corporate Headquarters . 100 Amaral Slreet, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915 . 401.434.3291 . Fax 401.4348380
Offices: Detroit. MI- Washington. DC . London. England
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I. Contacting foundations and private corporations
for the pupose of raising capital funding.
II. Further developing and negotiating with cable
operators for the purpose of supporting the Inland
Empire news operation.
o
III. Seeking other sources of revenue and/or the
development of a sales and marketing arm for
advertisement placement.
IV. Contact and negotiations with equipment
vendors and service providers to be associated
with the implementation of the Inland Empire news
service.
V. provide the screening and hiring of staff to
begin implementation of the Inland EMpire news
operation.
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Fee Schedule
I. Phase one: six month consultation of sixty
hours per month.
$5,000.* per month
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II. Phase two: Twenty-four month consultation,
implementation and management of
the news operation.
(see Inland Empire News: The Report
June, 1991)
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* exclusive of expenses
,.'I.-j"'.','>'"
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Corporate Communications
S S 0 C
ATE S, INC.
June 24, 1991
Dean Gray,
Director of Tel..............mications
city of san Bemardino
300 "D" Slleet
san Bemardino, CA 92418
Dear Dean:
Enclosed is an advance copy of our final l:oop.n.t al the
J..'Luposed Inlam &lpire News. I have taken the liberty of
attac:.t1ing the wtline of a J..'L~ al how CX'A can be of
ocnti.nuin;J service as the project IIDII8S forward.
lis \\Ie pranised, the Leport is a tenplate, which in our
~&t, can set the Weels in DDtial. ctwiously, \\Ie will
be prepared to d; """..... the l:oop.n. L am answer Brrf questions
which arise.
You will note that 'Me have designed a cadillac. we will
be haWY to enter a colloquy about a Olevrolet am how that
will i.np:lct the operatial.
Frankly, 'Me could not determine what our future role
'NOUl.d be until 'Me finished the lq.uLt. Cllly with final
blriJPts, am a clear path towards your goal, could \\Ie
J..'L~ how CX'A stnlld go al with you.
Matt James, the principal author of the loop.n.t, al~
with Harvey Gersin, will join me in the pte5_ltatial this
'lbursday DDJ:'Jlin}. we look forward to seein} you there.
'{2r
Ekiwin Hart
a1i.ef Executive Officer
enc:
EMljco
oc:MattJames
Harvey Gersin
Mel J. IC;nrpnArlI'I
Video Production
Broadcast Consulting
Corporate Headquarters . 100 Amaral Street, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915
Offices: Detroit. MI- Washington. DC - London. England
4014343291 . Fax 401434838&
".,"
. CREATIVE 0
CO CATIONS
ASS 0 CAT E S, INC.
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Corporate Communications
Video Production
Broadcast consulting
A Proposal
Creative Communications Associates, Inc.
(hereinafter CCAI) proposes a relationship with the
City of San Bernardino to represent consulting services
which encompass fund raising for, and implementation
of, the Inland Empire news service.
CCAI recognizes the unique position which the
development and implementation of an Inland Empire news
represents.
Although fund raising is phase one, it must be
integrated with the initial stages of implementation.
(phase two)
CCAI proposes a minimum six month consulting
contract to be followed by a twenty-four month
agreement for implementation and operation. CCAI will
provide sixty hours of executive time per month in
efforts to raise both capital and operational funding.
These efforts will include, but not be limited to, the
following:
continued.....
Corporate Headquarters . 100 Amaral Street, East Providence. Rhode Island 02915 . 4014343291 . Fax 401 434 R3RO
Offices: Detroit. MI- Washington. DC. London. England
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I. Contacting foundations and private corporations
for the pupose of raising capital funding.
II. Further developing and negotiating with cable
operators for the purpose of supporting the Inland
Empire news operation.
III. Seeking other sources of revenue and/or the
development of a sales and marketing arm for
advertisement placement.
IV. Contact and negotiations with equipment
vendors and service providers to be associated
with the implementation of the Inland Empire news
service.
v. Provide the screening and hiring of staff to
begin implementation of the Inland Empire news
operation.
.
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Fee Schedule
I. Phase one: six month consultation of sixty
hours per month.
$5,000.* per month
II. Phase two: Twenty-four month consultation,
implementation and management of
the news operation.
(see Inland Empire News: The Report
June, 1991)
* exclusive of expenses
_ ...__.... .........-..._.........a~.
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FROM:
Mat:)ames, Creative CommunicanJ;J
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FAX NUMBER:
401-434-8380
NO. OF PAGES:
1
MESSAGE:
Dean,
Edwin and I have talked with our agency regarding expenses
during the next six months. lVe need to spend a good bit of time
on-site, but we can plan those trips weU in advance. We estimate
$2000. per month wiU cover expenses. Should they esceed that
figure, of course, we would assume the additional costs.
For planning purposes the capital and operating expenses have
been revised, based on the downsized coverage plan. You can
deduct $271,000. from the operating side and $357,000. from the
capital side. Final figures wiU depend on the scope of the
operating day and other factors yet to be sorted out.
lVe can talk about how we arrived at these figures at your
convenience.
1JJ1~
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OVERVIEW OF CREATIVE aJMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
PROPOSAL #1 (APPROVED 1/23/91)
PHASE 1 - NEWS SURVEY (MAY 1991)
PHASE 2 - DEVELOP PROPOSED OPERATIONAL PLAN (JUNE 1991)
OVERALL COST: $56,000
TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE INTERVIEWED: 401
WHAT AREA SURVEYED: 221 INTERVIEWED IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
180 INTERVIEWED IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY
RESULTS BY MAJOR CATEGORY: VERY INTEREST 56%
SC11EWHAT INTERESTED 33%
TOTAL: 89% INTERESTED
PROPOSAL #2
PHASE I - FUNDRAISING (MINIMUM 6 MONTH CONTRACT)
COST: $30,000 CONSULTING FEES PLUS EXPENSES (NOT 'ID EXCEED $12,000)
DEVELOP FUNDING SOURCES:
1. CONTACT FOUNDATIONS AND PRIVATE CORPORATIONS
2. NEGOTIATE WITH CABLE OPERA'IDRS
(.25 CENTS PER SUBSCRIBER; MICROWAVE OPTIONS)
3. SEEK OTHER REVENUE SOURCES, E.G. SPONSORSHIPS/PRODUCTION/
MARKETING
PHASE II - EQUIPMENT, SERVICE, STAFFING NEGOTIATIONS
1. NEGOTIATE ~IPMENT AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
2. PROVIDE SCREENING AND HIRING OF STAFF 'ID IMPLEMENT NEWS
PROPOSED COVERAGE PLAN: *
COST = $1,311,700 (CAPITAL EXPENSE) [+ $200,000 STARTUP]
COST = $1,254,606 (ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET)
*DOWNSIZED COVERAGE PLAN:
COST = $954,700 (CAPITAL EXPENSES) [+$200,000 STARTUP]
COST = $983,606 (ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET)
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Inland Empire News
THE REPORT
June, 1991
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CONTENTS
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1 INTRODUCTION
2 "TIlE STUDY"
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REVIEW
3 STRATEGY TO BE CONSIDERED
4 OPERATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
5 PRODUCTION DESIGN
6 INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
7 FACIUTIES
8 EQUIPMENT
9 PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
10 TIME UNE
11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1
4
16
20
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26
46
50
61
73
77
_~~CC',,>'
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INTRODUCTION
a professional news-
gathering
organimtion . .
Armed with research, CCA has put together a
plan to create a professional news-gathering
organization to serve the Inland Empire. The result will
be a news program that meets the needs and
expectations of area viewers.
designed with
future expansion in
mind ..
The organization and the program are designed
with future expansion in mind. The staff can grow
without changing the basic organizational structure and
new programming can be added without changing the
original, centerpiece program.
the importance of
maintaining
production quality . .
The reader will notice that we mention quality
a number of times in this report. We cannot stress
strongly enough the importance of maintaining
production and editorial quality that rival the Los
Angeles television stations. These are the standards to
which Inland Empire viewers have become accustomed.
To deliver less would be pointless. Sophisticated
viewers will not watch a product they perceive as
inferior.
Creative CommunicatiollS Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
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INTRODUCTION (contd)
2
neceSSlU'J to make
compromises. .
creating a
newsroom/studio. .
a one-hour daily
news program . .
costs for the lnlmul
Empire News. .
The lnlmul Empire News will not, however,
have a limitless budget. It will be necessary to make
compromises. CCA planners know where budget
compromises can be made without jeopardizing the
program or viewers' perception of it.
The lnlmul Empire News will be housed in the
production facility to be constructed by the City of San
Bernardino in the City Hall Annex on North "E" Street
in downtown San Bernardino. The need for separate
newsroom and studio space will be avoided by creating
a newsroom/studio. Preparation and broadcasting will
take place in the same room. Administrative office
space and editing rooms will be adjacent.
The lnlmul Empire News will begin operations
with a staff of twenty-one full-time and three part-time
employees. The staff will produce a one-hour daily
news program, Monday through Friday, fifty-two weeks
a year.
The capital equipment costs for the lnlmul
Empire News will be just over $1.3 million plus
applicable taxes and installation. First year operating
budget will total just under $1.2 million, and other
start-up costs are projected to be $200,000.
Creative Communications Associates, Inc. - Inkmd Empire News
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INTRODUCTION (contd)
3
board of directors
will be selected. .
the support. .
administrative,
management and
consulting services
A local board of directors will be selected from
Inland Empire Media, Business, and Civic leaders.
Primary among the board's functions will be local
support and fund raising for the Inland Empire News.
Broadcast television news operations typically
have the support of entire management teams. A
television station team would include a general
manager, program director, production manager, sales
manager, promotion manager, and research director. In
order to provide similar support, and to keep the Inland
Empire News on track, we would recommend similar
support.
CCA has experts in all of these areas on staff.
We will offer a proposal to provide administrative,
management and consulting services until such time as
these capabilities are developed within the Inland
Empire News organization.
This report deals next with specifics, beginning
with a review of the research findings.
Creative CommunjcanoftS Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
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liTHE STUDY"
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REVIEW
Overall, fifty-m
percent of the
respondents
indicated they were
very interested or
somewhot interested
in watching an
Inland Empire
newscast.
INTEREST IN THE PROPOSED
INlAND EMPIRE NEWS
Homemakers
(72 percent "very interested")
Blacks and Hispanics
(% of each "very interested")
Heavy News Viewers (more than 1 hr. day)
(62 percent "very interested ")
. Parents with children under 18 years of age
(62 percent "very interested")
. Cable Subscribers
.
.
.
(61 percent "very interested")
. Unemployed (but not retired) news viewers
(60 percent "very interested ")
. Females
(59 percent "very interested")
. News viewers with household incomes over
$30,000
(59 percent "very interested")
. College Grads
(59 percent "very interested")
Creative Comnumit:arions Associares, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
5
Respondents were
asked how likely
they would be to
watch the proposed
Inlmul Empire news
if it were available at
various times on
weekdays.
LIKELIHOOD OF WATCIDNG
PROPOSED INLAND
EMPIRE NEWS
AT SPECIFIC TIMES
.
Overall, about three-quarters (74%) said they
would be likely to watch the Inland Empire
newscast at least one day a week if aired at
5:00 or 5:30 PM. Thirty-five percent indicated
they would watch the newscast five days a week
at this time.
.
Overall, sixty-nine percent (69%) of the
respondents claimed they would be likely to
watch the Inland Empire newscast at least one
day a week if aired at 6:00 or 6:30 PM.
Thirty-three percent (33%) asserted they would
watch the newscast five days a week at this
time.
.
About half (49%) of the respondents claimed
that they would be likely to watch the Inland
Empire newscast at least one day a week if
aired at 7:00 or 7:30 PM. Twenty-three
percent (23%) stated they would watch the
newscast five days a week at this time.
Creative Communications As.wciate.s, Inc. - In/and Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
6
Cable subscribers
were told thot the
Inland Empire news
might be repeated on
a public access cable
clumnel at 6PM,
7PM, 8PM, and
9PM, and thot cable
subscribers would be
chorged a 25~
monthly surchorge.
These respondents
were then asked how
interested they would
be in paying this 25~
surchorge in order
to receive the
newscast.
INTEREST IN INLAND EMPIRE
NEWSCAST ON LOCAL ACCESS
CABLE FOR 25, MONTHLY
SURCHARGE
. Almost half (45%) of the cable subscribers
indicated they were very interested, and seventy
percent (70%) stated they were either very
interested or interested in paying a 254!
monthly surcharge in order to have the
newscast repeated on a public access cable
channeL
Respondents were
asked importance of
Inland Empire news
to them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RECEIVING
NEWS ABOUT THE
INlAND EMPIRE
.
Ninety-three percent (93%) deemed such news
either very important or somewhot important to
Creative CommunictllWns Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
7
Respondents were
asked which media
they reguIorly use to
find news about
Inland Empire
communities.
them.
SOURCES REGULARLY USED TO
OBTAIN NEWS ABOUT
INlAND EMPIRE COMMUNITIES
. About three-quarters (77%) use television
. KABC Eyewitness News at 5PM (42%)
. KABC Eyewitness News at 6PM (36%)
. Cable News Network (38%)
. Seven of ten respondents (69%) regularly read
Inland Empire Newspapers.
. Riverside Press-Enterprise (36%)
. Los Angeles Times (28%)
. San Bernardino Sun (27%)
. Santa Ana/Orange County Register (6%)
. About half the respondents (53%) regularly use
mdio
. KNX-AM (8%)
. KFRG-FM (7%)
. KGGI-FM (7%)
. KFI-AM (6%)
. KFWB-AM (6%)
Creanve CommJIIIications Associates. 1m:. -Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
8
Several questions
were asked about
stotion preferences
and news coverage
of the lnland
Empire.
ATTITUDES TOWARD THE AMOUNT
OF INLAND EMPIRE NEWS
COVERAGE IN LOCAL TV
NEWSCASTS
.
Fifty-eight percent (58%) of all respondents
believe that local (Los Angeles) television
stations devote too little time to Inland Empire
news.
. A third of all respondents strongly agreed that
"The local news stations only report bad news
about the Inland Empire, and rarely report good
news".
. A quarter of all respondents strongly agreed that
"Los Angeles stations rarely send reporters to
the Inland Empire because the stories would be
unimportant" .
Crean,,", ComIIJlUJicaJions AssociDles, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
9
Respondents were
asked to choose from
a list of nineteen
topics.
INTEREST IN VARIOUS NEWS
TOPICS WHICH MIGHT BE
SHOWN ON THE INLAND
EMPIRE NEWSCAST
Overall, the topics in which respondents were most
interested ("very likely" to watch) are:
. "Good" happenings in the Inland Empire (80%)
. The Inland Empire weather report (78%)
. News about the environment (77%)
. Local crime, accidents, fires (63%)
. News of health and medical issues (58%)
. Local and national educational issues (55%)
. Inland Empire traffic report (55%)
. News about California (53%)
. Interviews with local heros (53%)
. National News (50%)
CreaJive ComJIIIUIii:aJimJs AssociaJes, Inc. . InJtI1Id Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
10
overwhelming
approval. .
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Inland Empire residents we interviewed
expressed overwhelming approval for a news program
specifically tailored to covering events and issues about
their communities. Viewers enthusiasm for this
proposed news program is evident from varying
perspectives.
seven in ten cable
subscribers. .
For example, six in ten news viewers
interviewed say they are very interested in an Inland
Empire newscast and over half believe it is very
important to see or hear news about the Inland Empire.
Seven in ten cable subscribers express interest in a 25<t
monthly surcharge to see the newscast on cable.
Ninety-seven percent (97%) of them would be willing
to pay it.
the program should
proceed.
These and other findings are sufficient to
conclude that plans to acquire financing and efforts to
produce the program should proceed.
Creative Comnumications Associates, Jnc. . Jnland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
11
Conclusions and
Recommendations
( contd)
an additional
benefit. .
Of course, it must be remembered that the
sample only included people who watch local television
news at least one time a week. Non TV news viewers,
who may comprise ten to fifteen percent of the general
public, were excluded. Nevertheless, a news program,
geared to meet the needs of Inland Empire residents,
could have an additional benefit of attracting some non.
news viewers as well.
the newscast
title ..
Do respondents identify with the term "Inland
Empire"? In viewers' own words, San Bernardino
and/or Riverside Counties were mentioned by a majority
of area citizens. As part of the newscast title, "Inland
Empire" should be well received and clear to
prospective audiences.
habit and
Most people prefer that the proposed Inland
Empire newscast air between 5PM and 7PM weekdays.
Habit and tradition play a major role in viewers' time
period selection since this period is when most people
watch local television news. Half of those interviewed
usually watch TV news 4:30 to 6PM and four in ten
watch 6PM to 7PM. By 7PM, most viewers have seen
the news and are settling in to watch entertainment
~.I!~
"","",on. .
programs.
Creative Communications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire New.
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
12
Conclusions and
Recommendations
(contd)
issues that touch
their lives . .
issues more
removed. .
consider the target
audience. . .
As to which topics to emphasize in the new
Inland Empire newscast, the most popular ones among
people most likely to watch the program are issues that
touch their lives or lives of family members. The most
appealing were "good things happening" in the area,
weather reports, the environment, and "hard news"
such as crimes, accidents, and health.
Conversely, the least appealing were issues more
removed from peoples' everyday lives. These include
trends and lifestyle developments, performing arts,
official speeches, local area sports, and Los Angeles
news.
When selecting stories, the program's producers
should always consider the target audience; those who
expressed the highest interest in the proposed newscast.
They are homemakers, women, minorities, parents with
children under eighteen, better educated, and upper
income.
Crean"" COIII1JUUIiJ:ations Associates, 1m:. - Inland Empire News
o
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
13
Conclusions and
Recommendations
(contd)
television is the
primory SOlU'Ce for
news. .
cooperative efforts. .
the average news
viewer watches sixty
minutes of local
news. .
Most every study on the subject has shown that
television is the primary source for news. As our
survey indicates, television is also the place to learn
what is happening in the Inland Empire. Three fourths
of those interviewed regularly use television for news of
their commuoity.
Not far behind are the Inland Empire
newspapers. Seven in ten use local papers to keep up
with local happenings. Radio is next with just over
half. It would benefit those involved in managing the
news program if cooperative efforts were formed with
local newspapers and radio stations. The purpose of
these alliances would be to exchange information,
interviews and video. The desired result would be better
news coverage.
The impact of television as a news source is
formidable. The average news viewer watches sixty
minutes of local news a day. Beyond the on-air
presenters which tends to be a "top-of-mind" reason for
watching their favorite newscast, other significant
mentions were presentation, style, coverage, and variety.
Creative COIIIIIlUIJicaJions Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY" (contd)
14
Conclusions and
Recommendations
(conld)
more Inland Empire
news. .
a genuine
need. .
cable is likely to be a
key element. .
Even though seven of ten news viewers would
not change their favorite television news program,
another twenty-seven percent (27%) expressed ways to
improve their most watched news station. Among the
comments made: television news fans would like to see
more local coverage, more Inland Empire news, more
positive news, greater concentration on news (and less
on "fluff'), and fewer commercials. Fifty-eight percent
of those we interviewed believe local TV stations
devote too little time for Inland Empire news.
We interpret these responses to mean there is a
genuine need for a community-oriented news program
with a wide variety of uplifting and helpful information.
One delivered in a comfortable down-to-earth style.
Since cable is likely to be a key element in how
viewers will receive the proposed Inland Empire news
program, we attempted to learn more about
viewers' behavior and attitudes toward news on cable.
Creative COIIUIIlUIicatitms As.JOCiates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
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"THE STUDY. (contd)
15
Conclusions and
Recommendations
(contd)
cable penetration . .
sources for
advertisements. .
popular local radio. .
top local area
newspapers. .
receptive audience. .
Cable subscribers account for fIfty-nine percent
(59%) of San Bernardino and Riverside County
respondents. Cable penetration in San Bernardino
County (61%) is similar to Riverside County (57%).
The biggest system is Comcast with nineteen percent
(19%) of all area subscribers. Cablevision is more
evenly distributed among the two counties. Half of all
subscribers would be reached with Comcast,
Cablevision, and Cencom.
In developing a marketing plan, the most
popular radio stations and newspapers should be used as
sources for advertisements and announcements.
The most popular radio stations for local news,
those listened to by four percent or more of the sample,
were KGGI-FM, KFRG-FM, and KOUO-PM. The top
local area newspapers are the Riverside Press-
Enterprise, and the San Bernardino Sun.
In summary, we believe there is a solid market
and receptive audience for an Inland Empire local news
program with the desired content, style, and marketing.
Creative COIIIIIlUIJicaJions Associates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
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STRATEGY TO BE
CONSIDERED
strategy is somewhat
different. .
For most television stations, strategy involves
competing with another broadcaster. In the case of the
InIandEmpire News the strategy is somewhat different.
significant
sampling. .
"News junkies" are expected to find the program
because of their appetite for news and information.
Because the program will be available in more than one
time slot, viewers will not be required to give up their
favorite news program to tune-in the Inland Empire
News. For this reason, we expect significant "sampling"
of the program.
what viewers will
expect. .
This means, to borrow a phrase, that quality is
job one. Editorial content, production techniques and
the people, must reflect qualities similar to Los Angeles
television news. This is what viewers will expect.
professionals. .
Planned strategies include:
Personnel
with an emphasis on television professionals
with California experience.
Creative Communications Associates, Int:. . Inland Empire News
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STRATEGY TO BE CONSIDERED (contd)
17
grab viewer
attention . .
News Elements
with unique titles or "trademarks" that grab
viewer attention. Among them:
- INLAND VIRONMENT - stories
about the environment
- EMPIRE BUILDERS - stories about
Inland Empire people
- DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR stories
about personal finances
and money
- GOLDEN STATE UPDATE -
California news
- TIlE UPSIDE - good things
happening in the Inland Empire
- INLAND ENTERPRISE - Inland
Empire business and economic
stories
viewers actively
involved. .
Neighborhood News Watch
will enlist owners of home camcorders to
record video of news events, usually
breaking stories, for the Inland Empire
News. This will get viewers actively
involved.
Creative Communications As.wciate.r, I1IC. . Inland Empire News
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STRATEGY TO BE CONSIDERED (contd)
18
community. .
Community Focus
to include a number of stories about
selected communities and the issues
facing them. These may be series or an
entire segment during a single program.
team. .
Team Reporting
in-depth reporting on major stories,
issues or events, utilizing a team of
reporters, each concentrating on an
aspect of the story.
experience and
expertise. .
Media Alliances
working relationships with newspapers,
radio stations and television stations in
the region. The purpose is to enlarge the
pool of experience and expertise and to
improve access to information.
Awards
a winner. .
winning builds staff morale. Promotions
can be built around awards to increase
viewer perception that the Inland
Empire News is a winner. Dozens of
awards are available each year.
Creative C""""",,",aJiOnS Associates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
-
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STRATEGY TO BE CONSIDERED (contd)
19
sateUite live
reports . .
Live Reports
Industry research indicates that most
television audiences like and value UVE
reports in television newscasts. In the
budget section of this report you will see
that we have some funding planned for
satellite LIVE reports, but those will not
occur often enough to be an early factor
in developing audience perceptions. We
will, therefore, use reporters UVE at
their newsroom/studio work stations, and
we will have newsmakers UVE on the
reporters live . .
newsmakers
live. .
news set.
Creative COIIlIIIUIJications Associates, Inc. . Inkurd Empire News
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OPERATIONAL
PHILOSOPHY
statement of
purpose . .
The philosophy, statement of purpose, or credo,
is an important element of any news gathering
organization. It is an element that the news director
must have an active role in developing.
reflect the
intent. .
We believe it should be a simple paragraph
which clearly states the organization's mission.
Editorial decisions should be examined on an on-going
basis to assure that day-to-day reporting, and the news
program, reflect the intent of the statement.
an example;
Here is an example: The primary purpose of
the Inland Empire News is to provide a reliable,
honest source of local news for aU the people of the
Inland Empire. We will strive to be objective in our
reporting, favoring no cause, community, or person.
Our reporting and our news programming will
reflect community standards in production quality
and content.
the goal . .
The goal is to help our viewers with news that
enlightens them or improves the quality of their
lives.
Creative C<JI1IJIIIUJkatitms Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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PRODUCTION DESIGN
reflect the
philosophy . .
The design of the Inland Empire News program
must reflect the philosophy of the organization and the
values of the area it serves. Perhaps, because so much
of the Inland Empire is desert and mountains, earth-tone
colors should be used on the set and in graphics. This
would be a sharp contrast to the vivid reds and blues so
often used in television.
reflect the region. .
The Inland Empire News logo should, if at all
possible, reflect the region. The logo will become the
visual mark by which viewers will identify the
organization. The more closely this mark is tied to the
region, the more closely viewers identify the Inland
Empire News with their communities. Colors, shapes,
or even landmarks, may offer creative ideas.
the faces of ordilUll"J
people. .
Recognizable landmarks, and the faces of
ordinary people, are elements that are often used in
news opens to reinforce the news organizations ties to
an area and its people.
Crealiw: CCJIJfJIUUIkations Associates, Inc. - Inltmd Empire News
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PRODUCTION DESIGN (contd) 22
it should be
unique. .
never be more than a
few minutes away
from the top story. .
updates. .
anchors . . as warm,
personable human
beings. .
The Inlmul Empire News concept is unique.
The program format should be unique as well.
We recommend the one-hour program be produced
almost as four, separate programs. This will serve
multiple purposes.
First, potential viewers are arriving home at
various times during the late afternoon. We would like
them to know they can turn on the Inlmul Empire
News at any time during the broadcast and never be
more than a few minutes away from the top story. IT
viewers perceive all the big news is reported during the
first few minutes of the program, they won't bother to
watch after the first few minutes.
Secondly, if updates are necessary between
repeat broadcasts, it is much easier to edit and time a
quarter hour segment than an entire one-hour program.
Thirdly, weather and sports anchors will be in
front of the cameras more often, interacting with the
news anchors. More frequent appearances and
interaction between the anchors will help viewers see
them as warm, personable human beings.
Crr:a/i"" COIIlJIUUJications Associates, Inc. . Inltmd Empirr: News
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PRODUCTION DESIGN (contd) 23
:00 Opening Animation
:20 Anchors...good evening
a sample formot : :30 Lead News package or packages
2:30 Other news
5:30 First Weather
8:00 First Highway Watch - traffic report
9:00 First Sports
12:00 Markets-Closing Dow
12:30 Top Story Recap-promo upcoming stories
14:30 Bump Animation
14:40 Break #1
15:00 Segment Two-anchors open cold
15:15 Headlines-top stories
16:00 Franchise Feature - ie: Medical News
18:30 Good News Story of the Day
20:30 General News
23:00 Sports Feature Story-local star, etc.
26:30 Weather Update
27:30 Day's Air Quality report
28:00 Entertainment Events in the area
29:00 Promo-upcoming segment
29:30 Bump Animation
29:40 Break #2
Crean"" Communications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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PRODUCTION DESIGN (contd) 24
a sample format:
(contd)
30:00 Segment Three-anchors open cold
30:15 The Day's Top Stories
32:15 Second Highway Watch - traffic report 32:45
Temperature - promo weatherman
33:00 Interview Segment
40:00 Franchise Feature - ie: Dollar for Dollar
money report
42:00 Final Business Report
44:00 Promo Upcoming Segment
44:30 Bump Animation
44:40 Break #3
45:00 Short Open Animation
45:10 Anchors pick-up
45:20 News Update - additional stories
49:00 Final Highway Watch-roads to be closed/
affected tomorrow.
50:00 Final Weather Update
53:00 Final Sports Update-tonight's sports
schedule.
56:00 Final Headlines-look ahead to a story
being covered tomorrow.
58:00 Tonight's Cable TV Highlights
59:00 Round-Robin Goodbyes/final words
59:20 Credits
59:40 Break #4
Creative Communications Associates, Inc. .I1Ikmd Empire News
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PRODUCTION DESIGN (contd) 25
fast JKUed
show. .
the format is a
guideline. .
expertise to make
those decisions. .
The format is designed for a relatively fast paced
show. The program incorporates the elements the
people of the Inland Empire have told us in our
research they want to see. Viewers who miss two, or
even three segments of the program, will not miss the
top local stories.
A number of factors can affect the format. A
single, major story may require five or six minutes of
program time. A weather emergency may cause a
weather segment to be placed at the top of the show.
A West Coast Pennant could make sports the program
lead. So, the format is a guideline.
Professional journalists in the news director's,
assignments editor's, and executive producer's chairs,
will have the expertise to make those decisions while
maintaining the production design, or "look" of the
program.
Creati"" ContIIJ1UIications As.sociDtes, Inc. . Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS
STAFF - FIRST YEAR
we considered several
faetors . .
When developing the staff and salary guidelines
we considered several factors.
. While costs must be controlled, the staff
must be large enough to effectively
cover events across the Inland Empire
Monday through Friday. We assume at
the outset the Inland Empire News will
be a five day per week operation.
. The cost of living in the Inland Empire.
. Salaries cannot compete with LA but we
must be able to attract qualified
professionals.
. Some positions can be filled with part-
time employees or paid interns.
. We can expect considerable turnover
among reporters and photographers who
are constantly looking to "move-up".
Salaries for supervisors and on-air
personalities must be attractive enough to
keep these people in place so as to
maintain program consistency.
. Add twenty percent to salaries to cover
benefits.
CretUive Communit:aJimJS As.rociates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
o
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 27
News Department
Supervisors:
News Director (1) ,$45.000. Der vear
The news director supervises all aspects
of the news operation. He/she administers the
budget, hites and evaluates all news employees,
develops procedures and oversees the editorial
content of all newscasts. The news director
must have a minimum of five years of television
journalism experience and a minimum of two
years in a supervisory position. An appropriate
degree is preferred.
Assignments Editor (1) $40.000 Der vear
The assignments editor screens news events,
planned and breaking, and assigns crews to
cover them. He/she directI y supervises reporters
and photographers and coordinates daily
activities as they relate to coverage of stories.
He/she must evaluate the accuracy and
objectivity of reporters' efforts. A minimum of
three years of television journalism experience
is required, with at least one year in a
supervisory position. Appropriate degree
preferred. The assignments editor reports to the
news director.
Creative Communicmilms Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 28
News Department
Supervisors (contd)
Executive Producer (1) .$40.000. Der vear
The EP is responsible for building the newscast
daily. He/she is responsible for the "look" and
flow of the program. The EP works directly
with reporters to double check the accuracy and
objectivity of their reporting. He/she also must
police writing and story production style.
He/she works directly with the assignments
editor and news director to assure that the
newscast is balanced and meets department
standards. When the news director and
assignments editor are away the EP assumes
responsibility for operation of the department. A
minimum of three years of television journalism
experience is required with at least one year of
experience as a news producer. An appropriate
degree is preferred. The executive producer
reports to the news director.
Chief Engineer (1) $45.000. Der vear
The chief engineer is responsible for maintaining
all technical operations within the news
department.
CI'Mli"" COIIIIIJIUIications Associates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
,
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 29
News Department
Supervisors-Chief
Engineer (contd)
He/she will be involved in training equipment
users and developing all procedures that involve
use of equipment. A minimum of three years as
a broadcast or cable television engineer is
required, with some supervisory experience. An
appropriate degree preferred. The chief engineer
reports to the news director.
Technical Director (1) $40.000. Der vear
The technical director is responsible for on-air
operations. He/she will switch during news
broadcasts and will supervise all preparation of
video elements prior to programs deadlines. The
technical director is the technical quality control
person. He/she supervises studio crew members
involved with the news product. A minimum of
two years as a technical director is required,
with one year of supervisory experience
preferred. The technical director reports to the
producer and the news director.
Creati"" Communications Associates, Inc. -InJond Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 30
Reporter/Editor (4) j25.000. per vear
Reporter/editors are responsible for coverage of
stories as assigned by the assignments editor and
executive producer. They are expected to
present a professional image and to be fair and
obj ective in their reporting. They are expected
to "enterprise" stories. In other words, develop
contacts and find stories on their own as well as
take direction from the assignments editor and
producer. Reporter/editors are expected to
understand and follow department policies and
procedures, and to edit their own packages when
necessary. A minimum of one year of
experience as a reporter is required. A
journalism degree is preferred. Reporter/editors
are directly supervised by the assignment editor
and producer.
Reporter/Producer (1) $30.000. ner vear
The reporter/producer has the same
responsibilities as a reporter/editor. In addition,
he/she must have the knowledge and ability to
produce news programs as necessary.
CreDJive Communict1Jions Associates, Inc. - InItmd Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 31
Reporter/Producer
(contd)
Two years experience as an electronic journalist
is required. Some supervisory experience and a
journalism degree are preferred. The
reporter/producer reports to the assignments
editor and the executive producer.
Photographer/Editor (4) ,$25.000. Der vear
The photographer/editors are responsible for
capturing, on video tape, the images necessary
for coverage of events, planned and breaking, as
assigned by the assignment editor and producer.
They must be proficient at editing video for
broadcast. The photographer/editor will do
routine cleaning and maintenance of the
equipment assigned to them. The
photographer/editors must work well with
reporters, other staff members, and the public.
A minimum of one year of experience as a news
photographer and an appropriate degree are
preferred. Photographer/editors are directly
supervised by the assignments editor and
executive producer.
CreDJi... ComnumicaJions AssociDles, Inc. . Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 32
Photographer/Reporter (2) $25.000. oer year
Photographer/reporters have the same duties as
photographer/editors. Additionally, they must
have the skills and abilities required of
reporter/editors. Photographer/reporters are
directly supervised by the assignments editor
and executive producer. A minimum of
eighteen months experience as a news
photographer or reporter, and an appropriate
degree are preferred.
News Anchor (2) $45.000. oer year
The news anchors are expected to present a
professional image and win the confidence of
viewers. They must be proficient at writing and
reading story scripts, and they must be able to
produce news programs when necessary. News
anchors must function regularly as reporters. A
minimum of two years of television journalism
is required. At least one year of anchoring
experience and an appropriate degree preferred.
News anchors will be directly supervised by the
assignments editor and executive producer.
Cre""",, ComnuuJications AssvciaJes, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 33
Weather Anchor (1) ~35.ooo. oer vear
The weather anchor must have a complete
understanding of Southern California weather
patterns. He/she must be able to interpret these
weather patterns for viewers. He/she must be
proficient in the use of weather forecasting and
graphics equipment, and on-air presentations.
He/she shall present a professional image and
strive to win the confidence of viewers. A
minimum of one year of experience as a
television weather presenter is required with a
degree in meteorology preferred. The weather
anchor will be directly supervised by the
executive producer.
Sports Anchor (1) .$35.000. oer vear
The sports anchor must present a professional
image and strive to win the confidence of
viewers. He/she must have an understanding of
all sports on all levels and be able to convey
that understanding to viewers. The sports
anchor shall establish contacts in the community
and find and produce interesting stories about
local sports participants.
c,.,ati"" COllUltUllications Associatu, Inc. - Inland Empi,., News
o
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 34
Sports Anchor
(contd)
A minimum of two years of television sports
reporting is required. An appropriate degree is
preferred. The sports anchor is directly
supervised by the executive producer.
News Department Secretary (1) jI6.000. Der year
The news department secretary will be
responsible for taking and routing calls to the
news department. He/she will be responsible for
keeping daily story and video archives. He/she
will assist the news director with correspondence
and routine records-keeping.
One year of clerical experience is required with
some television experiences preferred. The new
department secretary will be directly supervised
by the news director.
CG Operator (1 part-time) $10.00 per hr.
The character generator operator will be
supervised by the technical director and chief
engineer. He/she must be proficient in the
operation of all character generators used in the
production of news programs, special reports
and documentaries.
Creative Communications Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 35
CG Operator (contd)
He/she will
necessary .
computer experience is required,
television background preferred.
train other operators to fill-in as
A minimum of six months of
with some
Audio Operator (1 part-time) jl0.00 oer hr.
The audio operator will be supervised by the
technical director and chief engineer. He/she
must understand the technical aspects of audio
production and the equipment involved. He/she
will to train other operators to fill-in as
necessary. Six months experience in radio or
television audio is required.
Teleprompter Operator (1 part-time) j8.00 oer hour
The teleprompter operator will be supervised by
the technical director and chief engineer.
He/she must understand the operation of the
teleprompter and the news computer that feeds
the teleprompter. He/she will train other
operators to fill-in as necessary. A basic
understanding of television production is
required. Some experience is preferred.
Creanve C_nications As.sociates, Inc. . Inlmod Empire New.
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 36
A Typical Day for the
News Sto/f
news priorities. .
TOTAL SALARIES/BENEFITS $828,000.
The news department routine will be similar to
any television station news operation. That routine will
evolve as the department grows. The following is a
somewhat simplified overview of the daily flow of
people and information.
7:00 AM.
The assignment editor is the first to
arrive. He/she first reviews all wire
copy, national/international news feeds
and planned events. At the same time,
he/she makes phone checks to pick up
any breaking events that occurred after
midnight. When all of this material is
gathered, a list of news priorities will
emerge. Reporters and photographers
will then be assigned to those priorities.
The first draft of the story menu for the
day's newscast will be put into the
computer.
8:00 AM.
The first photographer/editor and the first
reporter/editor start their day.
Creon.. COIIIIIIIIIIit:aiions Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contcl) 37
Typical Day (con/d)
prepare for any early
assignments. .
The photographer/editor will check
batteries and equipment and be ready for
any early planned or breaking events.
The reporter/editor may help with phone
checks or prepare for any early
assignments. The photographer/editor
and reporter/editor will normally go into
the field as a team.
The assignments editor will telephone
the photographer/reporters assigned to
outlying areas. He/she will solicit
possible stories from them, and agree on
the day's assignments, assuming no
unexpected events break. The
photographer/reporters assigned to the
outlying areas will normally not be
expected to report to the newsroom in
the morning. It is preferable to keep
them in their coverage areas as much as
possible.
CreDlive Communications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contcl) 38
Typical Day (contd)
update stories. .
first meeting of the
tiDy..
daily mainte1Ul1lce . .
9:00 AM.
10:00 AM.
The news department secretary arrives.
The first team is probably in the field by
now. Two more photographer/editors
and two reporter/editors arrive. They
will confer with the assignments editor
to update stories on which they are
working, and to receive their
assignments. H their stories are urgent,
or carry more weight, the first revision
of the day's assignments may occur
already.
The executive producer arrives. The
news department secretary monitors
phones, police radios, and the wire. The
assignments editor, EP, and news
director have their first meeting of the
day. The EP now begins to visualize the
program. The news director evaluates
the content. Together they budget time
for each story, weather and sports. The
chief engineer arrives for the day.
He/she begins daily maintenance
functions. The engineer is on a ten to
seven shift so that he/she is available for
any emergency during the program.
C,..aJi"" C"""'""""atWns As.rocitues, Inc. . Inland Empi,.. Now.
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 39
Typical Day (con/d)
first actual rundown
for the program . .
redirect crews. .
investigative
reporting. .
11:00 AM.
12:00 Noon
The first actual rundown for the program
has been input to the news computer.
The rundown is available to all staff
members on their terminals.
The executive producer begins to plan
supers, graphics and other visual
elements that will enhance the look and
flow of the program.
The assignments editor is keeping track
of crews and getting updates on their
progress. He/she is monitoring events in
the area. It may be necessary to redirect
crews or work telephones to help
reporters secure additional or better
interviews.
The reporter/producer arrives. He/she is
normally involved in special features or
investigative reporting. This person
updates the assignments editor and
producer on all pending projects. Then,
works the assignment desk while the
assignments editor has lunch.
Creative CommunicaJions AsJOCiates, Inc. - Inlmrd Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 40
Typical Day (contd)
reviewing video and
preparing. .
often the rundown
clumges . .
1:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
The assignment editor returns and the
producer has lunch. The assignment
editor makes another round of calls to
police, fire, and public agencies to assure
that nothing is overlooked. The
reporter/producer proceeds with his/ber
projects.
The early crew is probably back in-house
now. Having had lunch they are
reviewing video and preparing their story
or stories for air. When writing is
complete, the reporter will voice any
package stories, and probably edit them,
freeing the photographer for other
shooting assignments.
News anchors and the technical director
arrive to begin their day. By 2:30 the
news anchors, assignments editor,
executive producer, technical director
and news director meet to review the
events of the day. Often the rundown
changes at this point because of feedback
from reporters in the field. Some stories
are better than expected, others didn't
work out as planned.
CreaJiVf! Communications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 41
Typical Day (contd)
sports anchor and
weather anchor
arrive . .
Plans are made for handling stories
anticipated during the late aftemoon.
Live inserts for the show, at city hall or
other available locations, are considered.
3:00 P.M.
Normally by three, the aftemoon meeting
ends. News anchors begin to write or
rewrite the story leads they will read
during the show.
At this point, other reporter/editors and
photographer/reporters are on their way
to the newsroom to begin the writing and
editing process. The producer will
confer with each staff member to assure
their stories are accurate and objective.
That the writing and video meet depart
ment standards.
The sports anchor and weather anchor
arrive to begin their preparations for the
program. The sports anchor works an
afternoon/evening shift so that he/she is
available to cover evening sporting
events for the following day. The
weather anchor's day actually begins at
midmorning.
CreaJive COIrIIIIIlIIicaJions Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 42
Typical Day (contd)
the fate of the
program now rests
with the producer
and the technical
director . .
He/she will spend the flIst hours of the
shift making appearances at civic clubs,
schools and other locations. Because
weather is a high priority among viewers
this will increase his/her visibility and
promote the entire news effort.
By three-thirty the CG operator arrives
and begins to compile supers for the
news program.
4:00 P.M.
The assignment editor's day ends, under
normal circumstances. If major events
are breaking he/she will be expected to
stay and coordinate coverage.
Otherwise, the fate of the program now
rests with the executive producer and the
technical director. Stories are coming
together; The EP generates a final
rundown and begins to print scripts. The
news anchors make a third round of calls
to police, fire and other news sources,
checking for breaking stories. The
evening reporter/editor and
photographer/editor arrive to begin their
shift. They will deal with late afternoon
stories or live shots for the current day.
CreaJive COIIIJfUlIIkatWns Associates, Inc. .Inhmd Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 43
Typical Day (contd)
final touches. .
the show is over. .
sIill on duty . .
5:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M
Next, come evening stories and sporting
events for the following day's program.
Final scripts are printed and distributed.
Final touches are put on package reports.
News, sports and weather anchors get
into make-up and review their scripts.
The show is over. The executive
producer, news director and news
anchors will do a post mortem of the
show. They will decide whether the
show must be updated before the
scheduled reruns.
If they are not needed for rewrites, or to
cover evening stories, the news anchors
will be available for promotional
appearances.
The executive producer's day ends. The
reporter/producer becomes the supervisor
on duty. It is time for another rounds of
calls to police and fife agencies. He/she
coordinates movement of all personnel
still on duty.
Creative Comnumicalions Associates, Inc. - Inltmd Empire News
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 44
Typical Day (contd)
evening events. .
complete their
stories . .
final round of phone
checks. .
8:00 P.M.
The reporter/producer leaves a complete
rundown of evening events for the
assignment editor to review.
9:00 P.M. The reporter/producer's day ends.
10:00 P.M. The evening reporter/editor and
photographer/editor are returning from
evening assignments or are expected
back soon. They will complete their
stories and leave them for the producer
to review. The photographer/editor will
then check all batteries, cables, vehicles
and so forth. He/she will compile video
archive materials and leave them for the
news department secretary. He/she will
be prepared to run on breaking news
while story editing is completed by the
reporter/editor.
11:00 P.M. The reporter/editor will make a final
round of phone checks before ending
his/her shift at midnight.
Crean.. COIIfJItUJlications Associate.. Inc. - Inland Empire New.
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INLAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF
FIRST YEAR (contd) 45
While this level of staffing is only adequate for
a Monday-Friday news operation it is sufficient to
handle brief, headline broadcasts should an outlet for
them become available.
C1'Oanve COIMIUIIications Associates, IIIC. -Inland Empi1'O News
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FACILITIES
creative planning
for efficient use of
space . .
Limited space in the City Hall Annex demands
creative planning for efficient use of space. Matt James
first met with Dean Gray, Director of
Telecommunications for the City of San Bernardino,
Timothy C. McCullough, Telecommunications
Technical Coordinator, and their associate, Mr. Don
Miller in April, 1991. Those first discussions of the
proposed facility led to several revisions of the floor
plans. The revisions increased usable floor space.
a newsroom/studio
design . .
We recommend a newsroom/studio design. This
will eliminate the need for a stand-alone studio that
would be used for only an hour or two each day.
Because of its compactness the newsroom/studio must
be professionally designed and constructed by a firm
with a track record of successful designs.
one control room . .
We recommend that one control room and one
set of studio cameras serve both studio "A" and the
newsroom/studio. We suggest locating the control room
on the second level, perhaps with windows into both
Studio "A" and the newsroom/studio. A camera cable
patch arrangement can be designed or a covered cable
trench can carry camera cables across the hallway.
C~alive COIIJIIUUIications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empi~ News
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FACIUTIES (contd)
47
a back-up control
room. .
four news editing
rooms . .
accessible area must
be available for
stowage . .
Because of the compact size of the proposed
newsroom/studio, it may be necessary to locate one
camera in the hallway. This will allow a "cover" or
"wide" shot of the set.
The "AIB Roll Edit Suite" that will be equipped
with switcher, DVE, etc. can become a back-up control
room to be used for routine production.
We recommend a minimum of four news editing
rooms. Experience has taught us that breaking news,
deadlines, and equipment malfunctions tend to cause
editing crushes on almost a daily basis. When
documentary or series production is necessary, fewer
available edit rooms will mean lost stories, and
unsatisfactory production compromises.
Equipment stowage must be provided, along
with a "staging" area for news photographers. This is
akin to a team locker room. Here, cameras, recorders,
lights, batteries and chargers will be kept when not in
the field. AIl equipment must be removed from news
vehicles at the end of the shift. An orderly accessible
area must be available for stowage. For purposes of
flow this storage area should be close to the technical
maintenance area and the entrance/exit nearest the news
vehicle parking area.
Creati... Communications Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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FACILITIES (contd)
48
a small conference
area. .
future growth . .
visitors . .
We recommend an ongoing schedule of
production meetings involving several supervisors and
news staff members. For that reason we suggest a
small conference area be provided. This area should be
next to the news director's office, if possible. Besides
daily editorial conferences this space can be used for in-
house interviews and special coverage production
(elections, disaster specials, etc.).
If possible, some floor space should be reserved
for future growth. As the Inland Empire is growing, it
is probable that viewer demand for news programming
will grow. Planning for that growth should be included
in the initial construction, when it is easier and less
expensive.
We expect the San Bernardino facility will be
frequented by visitors. We recommend providing
windows from hallways into work areas. This will
enable tours, large and small, to move through the
facility and see the operation without interruption.
With space at a premium, and plans calling for
wide hallways, consideration should be given to using
the hallways for more than pedestrian traffic.
Creative Communications Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
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FACILITIES (contd)
49
storage of archive
tapes. .
necessary satellite
dishes. .
Most of the tapes to be used in this operation
are a maximum of seven inches wide. HaIlways in the
news area could be lined with eight inch shelves for the
storage of archive tapes. The shelves can be designed
with attractive locking bars for security.
We recommend reinforcing the roof of the
Annex so that it will support the necessary satellite
dishes. No ground space currently exists for the dishes
which will be necessary to receive national news feeds
and weather information.
Creaiive Communicadons Associales, IN:. . Inland Empire News
-
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EQUIPMENT
some assumptions. .
When we considered the equipment necessary
for the Inland Empire News we made some
assumptions.
viewers are more
sophisticated. .
Inland Empire viewers are more sophisticated
than their counterparts in smaller markets. They are
conditioned by Los Angeles television to expect quality.
We must assume that expectation will extend to the
Inland Empire News. We, therefore, assumed
equipment must provide as many "whistles & bells" as
resources allow, while meeting broadcast standards.
existing light grid . .
We assumed that the existing light grid, and
fixtures will be available for the newsroom/studio.
cameras, CCU's . .
We assumed cameras, CCU's and the
teleprompter to be used in the large studio will be
available for Inland Empire newscasts.
live. . not a priority
We assumed remote live capability is not a
priority at the outset.
microwave hops. .
We assumed six (6) new microwave hops will
be sufficient to link the news operation to cable
company head-ends.
Creative COIIUIlU1Iicarions AssociJJtes, Inc. -InItmd Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
51
telephone, pagers. .
include price and
shipping. .
genera/list . .
In the Newsroom:
We assumed the City Telecommunications
Division will provide telephone, pagers and cellular
communications for the News Department.
We assumed all equipment costs should include
price and shipping. Applicable sales taxes, unlisted
options, and installation are not included.
The following is a general list of equipment.
The list includes types of equipment, and estimated
costs. In several instances brand names are mentioned.
Reputable manufacturers' products normally function
"as-advertised", but experience has taught us that some
particular pieces of equipment are more cost-effective,
or work more efficiently in a news environment.
. Newsroom Computer System $65.000.
A computer system is essential in a modem
news operation. It efficiently handles the
communication, assignment, producing, writing,
prompting, and archival functions.
These systems provide all the essential functions
in a user-friendly fashion. They will interface
with the existing prompter system and with
other production equipment. Some also provide
packages for reporting election returns.
Creanve COIIUIlUIIicaJions Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
52
In the Newsroom:
(contd)
.
Newsroom/Set Design ,$80,000.
In order for a working newsroom/studio to
function it must be carefully designed. It must
fit the available space. It must provide
comfortable, efficient work space. It must be
designed for camera angles and camera
movement. It must be designed to fit the image
we want to create for the Inlmul Empire News.
. Office Furniture (local vendors) $10.000.
Offices, edit rooms, and areas outside the actual
newsroom/studio, will need chairs and other
furnishings. Because of the long delivery
schedules for most office furniture, these needs
should be determined early. Orders must be
placed well before completion of the facilities.
. Monitors (panasonic and/or Sony) $2.500.
Television receivers and video monitors will be
needed in the newsroom/studio for the
assignments editor, producers and news director.
They must monitor other television news,
incoming video feeds and internal video.
Crean"" Communications Associates, 1111:. -Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
53
In the Newsroom:
(contd)
.
Video Recorders (panasonic SVHS) ,$12.000.
These recorders (2) will be located in the
newsroom/studio and in the news director's
office. They will be used to record incoming
feeds, airchecks and competing newscasts. They
will be back -ups for edit room recorders.
. Weather Graphics System $60.000.
The research shows weather is a high priority
among Inland Empire viewers. These viewers
are conditioned to a slick, high tech weather
presentation. For these reasons a quality
weather graphics system is a necessary tool.
. Word Processor ,$1.500.
Many day-to-day clerical functions will be done
by a news department secretary. These
personnel, management, and correspondence
functions will be maintained separate from the
newsroom computer.
Creative Comnumications As.lOC~ Inc. . Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
54
In the Field:
· Cameras/Lenses/Recorders (6) (panasonic SVHS)
$104.700.
. Tripods & Heads (6) (Vinten Vision 10)
$24.000.
. Light Kits (6) (Colortran or Lowell) $7.000.
. DC Lights (6)(Anton Bauer Ultralights) $6.000.
. Batteries/Charges (6 sets) (Anton Bauer)
$7.000.
. Microphones (Electro Voice, Shure, Sony)
$25.500
(6) hand mics
(12) lav mics
(6) shotgun mics
(2) wireless mics
. Audio Cassette Recorders (8) (best buy) $800.
. Support Equipment (portaBrace & others)
$5.000
Camera/equipment bags - Rain covers
Filters - Reflectors - Cables - Adapters
Spare bulbs
C",aIi"" COIIIIIUUIicalions Associates, Inc. - Inland Empi", News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
55
In the Field (contd)
equip six (6) field
crews. .
maximum
poTtability . .
maintenance costs . .
In the Edit Rooms:
. Vehicles (6) (Chevy 5-10 Blazer or similar)
~90.000.
The items listed above will equip six (6) field
crews to deal with planned and breaking news
assignments. They will be able to shoot inside or out,
day or night.
The camera/recorders are combined units, giving
photographers maximum portability. The support
equipment will allow photographers to deal with nearly
every situation. 4-wheel drive, trucks will hold up and
be useful in rough terrain.
Experience has shown that when a vehicle and
equipment are assigned to a single user, maintenance
costs are reduced and usable life is extended.
. Video Recorders (8) (Panasonic SVHS)
$48.000.
. Edit controllers (4) $6.000.
. Monitors (8) (panasonic) $6.000.
Creati"" COIIIIIUUIicatitms As.sociates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
56
In the Edit Rooms
(contd)
.
Time Base Correctors (prime Image) $16.000.
. Audio Mixers (4) (Shure) ~4.000.
. Microphones (4) (Electrovoice) $1.600.
. WaveformNector Monitors (4) (Tektronix)
$16.000.
. Equipment racks (4) (Stantron) $5,600.
· Slate Titlers (4) (Knox or For.A) $4.000.
Each of the four edit rooms will be equipped
with routing as well as the above listed equipment.
Complete news packages can be edited in each room.
Slates will be included at the head of each story tape
to avoid confusion and miscues during the broadcast.
Each room will have monitors to assure that video
meets standards. Each edit room is to have acoustics
that will allow tracking audio directly on to SVHS
tapes.
allowing for
reconfiguTation . .
Manufactured racks should house all equipment
eliminating the need for custom cabinet work, and
allowing for reconfiguration if it becomes necessary.
CrMIi.. C""""",""alWns Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
o 0
EQUIPMENT (contd) 57
In the Control Room:
. Switcher (Grass Valley 200) .$70.000.
. Still Store/Painl/CG (Dubner) }90.ooo.
. Digital Video Effects (Jazz, Pinacle or ADO)
.$40.000.
. Ultimat Keyer ~10.ooo.
. Frame Sync (prime Image) $4.000.
. Color corrector (For.A) $7.000.
. Audo Board (Sony) $25.000.
. Video Recorder/Players (2) (panasonic VIIS)
$12.000.
. Video Players (2) (panasonic SVIlS) ~8.ooo.
. Time Base Correctors (2) (prime Image)
$8.000.
. Audio Support Equipment (various) $20.500.
Audio Cart Machines - Turntable
Reel-to-reel Audio Recorder/Player
Audio Cassette Recorder/Player
CIWJJi~ COIIJmIUIicatitms .Associat.... Inc. - Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
58
Audio Support
Equipment (contd)
Audio Disc Player - Audio Monitor Amp
Audio Monitor Speakers
.
TW Intercom System (RTS Systems) $12,000.
.
Equipment Racks, Consoles, etc. (Stantron)
$40,000.
. Routing System (30X30-2 level audio) (BTS)
$70,000.
. Test, Service and Quality Control Equipment and
Tools $32.000.
Waveform Monitors - Vectorscopes
Test Signal Generator - Oscilloscope
Tools & Jigs
. Systemization $65.000.
Audio & Video Distribution
Cable & Connectors
Patch Panels
Design, Layout and Drawings
. Contingency Fund .$10.000.
Croanve Communictllions Associates, JIIC. . Jllltmd Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
59
the tools to generate
a news program . .
used equipment. .
current routing
system. .
The control room will be designed and equipped
for maximum capability, flexibility and efficiency. The
design cannot proceed until completion of the facility
layout.
The equipment outlined will give the technical
director, and his or her support people, the tools to
generate a news program that will compare visually
with others in the market, and do it on a cost-effective
basis.
It should be noted that many of these items are
available on the used market. If properly evaluated and
examined, used equipment can save significant capital
dollars while increasing operational costs for
maintenance only slightly.
You will note we have included a routing
system. Although your current routing system will
grow we have some concern that ultimately it may not
have enough capacity. Also, it may not stand up to the
load that we see developing.
Creative COIIIIIIlUIicadtNts Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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EQUIPMENT (contd)
60
broadcast engineering
specialist . .
Outside Systems:
microwave links
wiY .. TYRO wiY ..
The technical people in the Telecommunications
Department already have a full work load. We
recommend a broadcast engineering specialist be
contracted to design, layout and install all technical
systems. Some of these firms also specialize in
negotiating the best prices for equipment, a service that
wil\ pay for itself many times over in a project of this
magnitude.
.
Microwave (6 links on 13 Ghz CARS band)
(best buy) ,$150.000.
. TYRO (1) (best buy) ~30.ooo.
The microwave links wil\ connect the San
Bernardino production center to cable company head
ends. The TYRO wil\ bring down satellite feeds of
national news, weather data and other elements as
necessary.
TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENSE: $1,311,700.
(before taxes and installation)
CreoJi... COIIIIIUUIicalitms AssociaJes, Inc, . Inltmd Empire News
-
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS
BUDGET
evenly spread. .
Most budget lines have been evenly spread
although many actual expenditures will vary with news
events. Some, like election coverage, can be planned;
others, like earthquakes, cannot.
budget wiU evolve. .
When a start-up date has been determined the
Proposed Operations Budget will evolve into a Working
Budget. We would expect no meaningful change in the
line item totals, however spreads will change to reflect
those events which can be planned.
more efficient. .
The Proposed Operations Budget does not
include funds for staff expansion during the first year of
operations. We assume that as practices and procedures
become routine staff members will become more
efficient. The result will be continually increasing
capabilities for the Inland Empire News staff.
The following is a list of budget lines, their
descriptions, and anticipated annual expenditures.
Creati... COllfJllUllications Associates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
-
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 62
planned promotion
campaign . .
tune-on ads . .
foUow-up
advertising. .
other creative
efforts. .
. Advertising/Promotion $18.000.
Research has indicated the bulk of Inland
Empire viewers want, and will watch local
news. They won't, however, watch unless they
know the program is available. While the
InIDnd Empire News will get some newspaper
and radio publicity, that does not represent a
planned promotion campaign. Therefore, funds
must be set aside for publicity and promotion.
The amount of money budgeted here is
modest. It will be allocated for tune-on ads in
newspapers, on radio, and on cable. We can
anticipate that "news junkies" will be
immediately aware of the InIDnd Empire News,
but it will take six to twelve months to make
other viewers aware that a reliable, alternative
source is available for local news.
After the initial promotion campaign, follow-up
advertising and promotions should be planned.
Use of personalities at civic functions, and for
radio and newspaper interviews, are promotional
efforts that require little investment. Inviting
public tours will promote. Other creative efforts
must be explored.
Creative CommunicaJions AssociaJ.., Inc. - Inland Empire News
-
o
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 63
based on six (6)
Chevy ..
for on-air people. .
speciDl
circumstances. .
. Auto Expense ,$24.000.
This figure is based on six (6) Olevy S-
10 Blazer-type vehicles as described in the
equipment section. It is assumed each will
travel an average of twenty-thousand miles per
year and get approximately fifteen miles per
gallon. Included are oil changes, filters, wiper
blades, weekly washings and insurance.
Presumably first year repairs will be minimal.
. Clothing Allowance .$6.000.
Clothing allowances for on-air people are
standard in the industry. We have included an
annual allowance of $1,500. for each of the
news, weather and sports anchors.
. Equipment Rent/Lease ,$2.400.
The Inland Empire News operation will
be well-equipped. However special
circumstances will occasionally require special
equipment. It makes more sense to rent than to
buy items like helicopters.
CreoJivr: COIIfIIUUticanons Associates, Inc. -Inland Empire News
-
o
o
PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 64
low during the jint
year ..
consunuzbles . .
. MaintenancelParts $13.000.
Equipment maintenance costs can be
expected to remain low during the first year of
operations because most of the equipment is
new or under warranty. Still, it will be
necessary to accumulate a stock of parts for
video recorders and other items critical to daily
operations. As the equipment ages future
MaintanancelParts allocations must be increased.
. MaterialslSupplies $6.000.
Included in this budget are consumables
including light bulbs, batteries, and other routine
supplies. Also falling into this budget are
replacement costs for photographers' and
reporters' clothing damaged in the line of duty.
Copies of legal filings needed for story research
and other materials will be charged to this line.
Creative COlMlUlticaJions As.sociaJes, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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o
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 65
. Miscellaneous $3.000.
awards entries. .
A number of small needs routinely arise.
Among them awards entries. Awards are useful
to build staff morale and to build promotions
around. The entry fees are charged to this line.
. Music License Fees ,$2.400.
to cover all
music use . .
ASCAP and BMI music license fees are
normally paid by a television station to cover all
music use. In the case of the InlmuI Empire
News these high fees will be avoided by leasing
a music library and limiting music use to the
material in that library.
. News/Weather Services $89.430.
informotion
services . .
These are information services to support
the news, sports and weather reporting functions.
They include Associated Press, Conus, and ESD.
From AP will come a twenty-four hour news
wire which will be connected directly to the
newsroom computer.
Creative Comnumicatimrs Associales, Inc. - Inland Empire New.
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 66
News/Weather
Services (c01lld)
routine supplies. .
to get video. .
News from California, the U.S. and the
World will be provided around the clock. From
Conus will come several daily video feeds of
news materials. From ESD (Environment
Satellite Data) will come constant feeds of
satellite pictures, radar images and weather data
which will feed directly into the weather
graphics computer. These services are as
expensive as they are critical to the content and
"look" of the InImuI Empire News.
. Office Supplies/Paper $4.500.
Reporter notebooks, special computer
script paper, pens and all the other routine
supplies needed for office functions will be
charged to this line.
. PostagelFreight j4,800.
A variety of shipping methods are used
to get video to Inland Empire News operation.
For instance, video of a massive Palm Springs
fire may be shipped by bus. File video for a
story may come via Federal Express from
another state.
Croati... COlltlllUlficalimu Associates, IIIe. -Inland Empire News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 67
Postage/Freight
(contd)
Whatever the situation, television needs pictures
to tell the story. That video is often shipped in
to save the high cost of satellite feeds, or to
avoid sending a local crew out of town.
. RentlUtilities $60.000.
City Hall Annex
facility . .
It is assumed the Inland Empire News
operation must compensate the City of San
Bernardino for the use of space in the City Hall
Annex facility. The projected cost is based on
the current rates for commercial space in the
San Bernardino area ($1.10 to $1.50 per ft.) and
the planned square footage allocation.
. Salaries $828.000.
sokJries and
benefits. .
This figure reflects the projected cost of
salaries and benefits as detailed under the
INlAND EMPIRE NEWS STAFF section.
C",aIi"" Comnumicalions As.mciates, 1"". -Inland Empi'" News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 68
"live uplinks" . .
independent
cont1'actor . .
. Sat Services $12.000.
Satellites have made it possible for local
television joumalists to report "live" from across
the state, or across the country, when breaking
news warrants. This UVE presence lends to
the immediacy of coverage and can enhance the
credibility of the news organization. Because
the number of these "live uplinks" will be
determined by events, as well as costs, it is not
possible to say precisely how often this tool will
be used. The budget figure is based on an
estimate of two uplinks per month at $500. each.
. Stringers ,$32.496.
A stringer is a journalist or photographer
who does not work for the news department, but
provides video and story information as an
independent contractor. Stringers are
particularly useful in outlying areas and late at
night. They come up with video of stories that
cannot be economically covered by staff.
Cmuive Communict1JWns Associates, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 69
Stringers (contd)
The Stringers budget is based on one
"stringer" story per day. If the story is
broadcast the stringer will be paid seventy-five
dollars, plus twenty-five cents per mile for up to
fifty miles of travel.
"Neighborhood News
Network". .
Also included in the Stringers budget is
funding for the "Neighborhood News Network".
It is assumed one story per day will come from
the "Neighborhood News Network". If the story
is broadcast the contributor will be paid twenty-
five dollars, plus twenty-five cents per mile for
travel up to thirty miles.
. Subscriptions $900.
area newspapers. .
Area newspapers provide a valuable
resource for a television news department. AIl
newspapers will be scanned and clipped on a
daily basis to provide an information bank for
reporters and producers.
Creative Communications Associares, Inc. - Inland Empire News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 70
. Telephones $17.980.
contact with
newsmakers . .
The Inland Empire is a large region to
cover. Much of the contact with newsmakers
will be by telephone. At least four rounds of
calls will be made daily to police, fire and
government agencies.
This budget reflects the anticipated cost
of these calls, the monthly cost for the business
lines, telephone hardware, and cellular mobile
phone air time. (Communications with news
vehicles will be via mobile phones)
. Travel $10.920.
in the region. .
This budget line covers air travel in the
region to staff the "live uplink" reports described
above. It also includes allocation for one
hundred miles per week at 25~ per mile. This
will cover short trips required of staff members
for business.
Creflliw: Communicfllions Associates, Itu:. . Inland Empire News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 71
crews sent out of
town. .
crews. . news
sources. . applicants
SVHS video tape . .
. Hotels $5.200.
It is assumed that crews sent out of
town, but auto or air, will be required to stay
overnight from time to time. This budget
presumes sixty percent of those trips will
involve a hotel stay. We must also provide
hotel accommodations for applicants brought in
to fill vacancies that occur.
. Meals & Ent $4.800.
Meals will be provided to crews on out-
of-town assignments. Lunch or dinner meetings
required with news sources or applicants are
also covered in this budget line.
. Video Tape $24.000.
This budget is based on the cost of
SVHS video tape. Each of six photographers
will be assigned six tapes per day, five days per
week. The tapes will be replaced every two
weeks. In addition an estimated ten tapes per
week will be used for masters and archiving.
Creanve Communications Associates, Inc. . In/and Empire News
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PROPOSED OPERATIONS BUDGET
(contd) 72
Video Tape (con/d)
Any change in the tape format will drasticalJy
affect this budget line.
. Management/Consulting Services j90.000. +
CCA will provide complete management,
accounting, payrolJ, and consulting services for
the Inland Empire News operation. The
monthly fee is $7,500. plus incentive and out-of-
pocket expenses. Should the news operation end
the first year under the agreed budget, CCA
will colJect an incentive payment of 20% of the
underspend.
management!
consulting . .
The normal management/consulting fee
is 10% of the annual budget. With the Inland
Empire News, however, finances are critical and
we would like our staff to be equalJy interested
in the most efficient and cost-effective operation
possible.
PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET
TOTAL: $1.254,606.
Note: This budget does not include errors and omissions insurance.
The organization to be insured, the number of broadcasts and otber
factors must be known before a policy wst can be determined.
CreaJive COIIIIItlUIicaJi As.wciatu, Inc. - Inkuod Empire News
o 0
INLAND EMPIRE NEWS - PROPOSED OPERATIONAL BUDGET
ACCOUNT QRl QR2 QR3 QR4 TOTAL
ADV/PROMO 4500 4500 4500 4500 18000
AUTO EXP 6000 6000 6000 6000 24000
CLOTHING 1500 1500 1500 1500 6000
EQ RNT/LSE 600 600 600 600 2400
MAlNT/pRTS 3300 3300 3300 3300 13200
MAT/SUPP 1500 1500 1500 1500 6000
MISC 750 750 750 750 3000
MUSIC FEES 600 600 600 600 2400
NEWS-WX SVS 23820 21870 21870 21870 89430
OFF SUPP/PAPER 2250 750 750 750 4500
POST/FREIGHT 1200 1200 1200 1200 4800
RENT/UTIL 15000 15000 15000 15000 60000
SAlARIES 207000 207000 207000 207000 828000
SAT SERVICES 3000 3000 3000 3000 12000
STRINGERS 8124 8124 8124 8124 32496
SUBSCRIPTIONS 225 225 225 225 900
TELEPHONE 3120 3120 3120 3120 12480
TRAVEL 2730 2730 2730 2730 10920
HOTELS 1320 1320 1320 1320 5280
MEALS & ENT 1200 1200 1200 1200 4800
VIDEO TAPE 6000 6000 6000 6000 24000
MGT/CONSULT 22500 22500 22500 22500 90000
TOTAL 316239 312789 312789 312789 1254606
Creati"" Comnuuoicalions Associates . Inland Empire News
.
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TIME LINE
"GO"
The time line for the lnlllnd Empire News
begins with the "GO". As the organization charged
with managing the project, CX::A will have anticipated
the launch.
Broadcast engineering firms will have been
screened. Vendors will have been contacted. Resumes
will have been collected from potential staff members.
It is assumed the City Hall Annex facility will be ready,
or nearly ready to house the operation.
Month One
The City of San Bernardino will provide the
selected engineering firm with complete blueprints for
the City Hall Annex. The technical design phase will
begin immediately, with final equipment specifications
distributed to vendors within thirty days. At the same
time recruiting interviews will begin with chief engineer
and news director candidates. Project managers will
schedule meetings with community and civic groups to
begin promoting the lnlllnd Empire News.
technical design
phase. .
Creanve Communicatiolls As.wciateJ; IN:. -Inland Empire News
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TIME LINE (contd)
74
Month Two
m"icTowave
distribution . .
The chief engineer is the first employee to report
for work. The CE will develop a plan for the
microwave distribution system to carry programming to
the cable companies while at the same time monitoring
the design phase of the project.
final equipment
bids. .
Final interviews with news director candidates
will be completed during this period, and office
equipment will be ordered. By the end of the second
month final equipment bids will be due from vendors.
Month Three
The activity will pick up in the third month.
The news director will report for work. He, or she, will
assume the recruiting function. Applicants will have
been screened by the project managers to expedite the
process. The news director will also evaluate systems
including news computers. Working with the project
managers, the news director will undertake a
community assessment survey to determine the issues
and concerns of the people of the Inland Empire.
community
assessment. .
The design phase will be completed.
Preliminary wiring will have been started by the chief
engineer. Equipment will have begun to arrive and to
be installed.
Cretllive COIIIIffJI1Iicalions Associates, Inc. .Inlmrd Empire News
.
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TIME LINE (contd)
75
Month Four
news service
contracts. .
staff members. .
Month Five
coming on line . .
Month Six
training and
debugging. .
Project managers and the news director will have
now started to work on promotion and marketing
strategies. A company will be selected to develop the
Inland Empire News logo and program graphic
elements. News service contracts will be negotiated
and vehicles selected and purchased. Equipment
delivery, installation, and recruiting continues.
The interview process will continue. Half, or
more, of the staff members will have been selected at
this point. This can be accomplished because the most
aggressive recruiting will be done in the California area.
By the fifth month most equipment deliveries are
complete, including the news computer. Systems are
coming on-line. The assignments editor and executive
producer report for work. Working with the project
managers, and the news director, they develop
operational procedures and program formats. The news
director meets with area radio stations, newspapers and
regional television stations to develop alliances.
By the sixth month all systems are go. Staff
members report for a week of training and debugging
systems and procedures. Training is followed by two
weeks of rehearsals. The last step is the debut of the
Inland Empire News.
Creative COIIIIIlUIJicaJions Associate.s, 1= . Inland Empire News
.
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TIME LINE (contd)
76
timing and industry
conditions. .
appears to be
improving. .
six months is
adequate. .
an overview. .
Timing and industry conditions can cause
delays in the completion of this project. As this report
is being written in June, 1991, equipment delivery
schedules are favorable. Prices have been forced
down by a competitive market. Suppliers have
equipment "on the shelf". A number of broadcasters
have res01ted to layoffs, swelling the pool of potential
stoff members.
These conditions probably won't last. The
general economy appears to be improving. Demand
may result in higher prices, slower deliveries and a
smaller available work force.
Even under less favorable conditions, however,
it appears six months is adequate to complete the
Inland Empire News start-up with reasonable
preliminary planning.
This is an overview. The project managers will
be charged with developing a detailed time line, over a
period of weeks, based on actual specifications.
Crealive COIII1fUUIicalions Associates, 1m;. - 1nlmrd Empire N_s
.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Selecting a board of directors for the Inland
Empire News may prove to be the most difficult phase
of the entire project, simply because of the politics
involved.
On the local level, the cooperation of
government, civic leaders, the media, and cable
operators is of paramount importance. With the
overwhelmingly favorable responses shown in the
research, we would not expect much resistance to the
project from members of these groups. We do,
however, expect they will want to protect, or further,
their own interests.
This would, of course, soon be recognized by
other board members and ultimately by viewers. The
result would be an ineffective board and total loss of
credibility for the news operation.
Crefllive COIII1IIUIIkfllimts Associates, Inc. . Inland Empire News
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS (contd) 78
The board should probably have a number of
members, selected for staggered terms, to avoid any
tendency, however unintentional, to sway the editorial
direction of the newscast.
The selection of the members will be a sensitive,
highly scrutinized process. Politicians will be looking
for ammunition to use against their foes. Journalists
will be looking for any evidence that the City of San
Bernardino is developing a propaganda tool. Cable
operators will want to know the news effort will be
more than just another "novice cable access show".
We would suggest a blue-ribbon panel of civic
leaders, cable and broadcasting executives, and business
people screen and select board members. The project
managers will be expected to coordinate the screening
process to assure that it is done in accordance with
California law and in the best interests of the Inland
Empire News and Inland Empire residents.
The formula for the selection will be worked out
with the project principals and the agency charged with
oversight of the news operation.
Creative COIIIIIIIUIicadons Associates, Inc. - In/IIIId Empire New_