I was on my daily journey over to the ABC 33/40 newsroom a few days ago and heard some folks discussion plans for our tenth anniversary later this year. I cannot believe it, but it is true. ABC 33/40 will turn 10 years old on September 1.
Much like raising children, when it comes to working in television the days are long, but the years are short.
The owners of ABC 33/40, Allbritton Communications, gave me the green light to build an aggressive weather operation in the fall of 1996. Top of the line weather equipment and a great staff. But, the big difference was the policy of going with long form weather coverage anytime one or more counties in our market goes under a tornado warning. The first time this policy was noticed was on January 27, 1997, when an F2 tornado moved across the eastern section of Tuscaloosa. One person was killed in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, and ten others were injured.
But, our big night came on April 8, 1998 when an F5 tornado moved through the western suburbs of Birmingham, killing 32 people and injuring hundreds more. ABC 33/40 was the only station on the air through the event with continuous coverage that Wednesday night. And, the following morning we were able to provide a live look at the damage from our helicopter, AirLink 33/40, which is the only TV chopper in the market. That was the night our station grew up. And, it seems like other stations in the market have been trying to do long form coverage since that night.
Later in the year we will be looking back at the various news, sports, and weather events covered by our crew during these 10 years. But, while it is nice to look back from time to time, I am always looking ahead. Our business is changing like a meteor streaking through the night, and we have lots of work to do in the new digital world. Ten years ago, there were no blogs or podcasts. Now much of our time is spent doing these digital products; I have to wonder what we will be up to 10 years from now!
Much like raising children, when it comes to working in television the days are long, but the years are short.
The owners of ABC 33/40, Allbritton Communications, gave me the green light to build an aggressive weather operation in the fall of 1996. Top of the line weather equipment and a great staff. But, the big difference was the policy of going with long form weather coverage anytime one or more counties in our market goes under a tornado warning. The first time this policy was noticed was on January 27, 1997, when an F2 tornado moved across the eastern section of Tuscaloosa. One person was killed in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, and ten others were injured.
But, our big night came on April 8, 1998 when an F5 tornado moved through the western suburbs of Birmingham, killing 32 people and injuring hundreds more. ABC 33/40 was the only station on the air through the event with continuous coverage that Wednesday night. And, the following morning we were able to provide a live look at the damage from our helicopter, AirLink 33/40, which is the only TV chopper in the market. That was the night our station grew up. And, it seems like other stations in the market have been trying to do long form coverage since that night.
Later in the year we will be looking back at the various news, sports, and weather events covered by our crew during these 10 years. But, while it is nice to look back from time to time, I am always looking ahead. Our business is changing like a meteor streaking through the night, and we have lots of work to do in the new digital world. Ten years ago, there were no blogs or podcasts. Now much of our time is spent doing these digital products; I have to wonder what we will be up to 10 years from now!
on March 28, 2006, 10:22 pm
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