More and more reporters are being asked to do live teases. The producer isn’t trying to get out of work necessarily, this is a great marketing tool to show you have live crews everywhere in the DMA or at least in a key place. But these teases need to be more than a person just standing outside holding a mic with a station shirt on.
The best live teases are about 6 to 10 seconds and are interactive. Think show and tell. Reporters need to visually show the viewer why he/she is live somewhere from the get go. This includes during live teases. Standing in front of the camera, holding the mic is not enough. Point to something in the background. Walk and talk. Hold up something. Get the viewer into the story right away.
Make sure and coordinate what’s being said live. There needs to be a dialogue between the producer and reporter. Often I hear the anchor pitch to the reporter, then the reporter says the same thing. Obviously it is not effective to repeat a line. Producers be willing to take the time to brainstorm with the reporter. And reporters, remember producers have more tease writing knowledge. Take advantage to make sure you get the most out of this extra live opportunity.
