The first week of September saw a new chapter of the ongoing State of Georgia vs Donal Trump election's rigging case. We were back filming live news with the LiveU300s outside the Fulton County Courthouse during the arraignment hearing of 19 defendants in the election rigging case. Scripps News political report and legal expert, Ava Joye Burnett, shared her legal analysis during the day and attended the arraignment hearings.
The LiveU300s: A Live News Trusted Companion
Before we dive into the intense atmosphere of a live news shoot, let's talk tech. TV news photojournalists rely on cutting-edge equipment to broadcast live, and the LiveU300s are among their trusted companions. These portable and reliable units allow us to transmit high-quality video and audio in real-time, no matter where we are. This technology enables them to cover events as they happen, offering viewers an authentic and unfiltered look at the world's most critical stories.
The Fulton County Courthouse: A Hub of Activity
The Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, is a focal point for journalists, especially during high-profile cases like the election rigging arraignment hearing. As a TV news photojournalist, setting up outside the courthouse requires meticulous planning. Ensuring that the LiveU300s is ready to go, setting up lights and microphones, framing the perfect shots, and preparing for unpredictable circumstances are all part of the job.
The Arraignment Hearing: Tension in the Air
As the arraignment hearing of 19 defendants in the election rigging case begins, tension fills the air. TV news cameramen are on the front lines, capturing every moment for their viewers. They must balance the need to be discreet and unobtrusive while capturing the gravity of the situation. The LiveU300s play a crucial role in this process, allowing them to transmit live feeds to the newsroom, where producers and editors are piecing together the story for broadcast. It also means setting up very early in the morning to ensure a great location for the morning show
The Challenges: Mother Nature and Unpredictability
Live news coverage often involves dealing with the unpredictable. Weather conditions can change in an instant, from scorching heat to torrential rain. TV news photojournalists must be prepared for any eventuality, with backup equipment and contingency plans in place. The LiveU300s, with their robust connectivity options, help maintain a stable connection even in busy network environments. With 12-hour days not uncommon for big news stories, it is crucial to setup a permanent location including shade, seating, a generator and of course a coolbox to help fight those hot Atlanta summer days.
Moreover, the unpredictability of live events means photojournalists must adapt on the fly. They need to anticipate movements, ensure they capture key moments, and navigate crowds of reporters and onlookers, all while keeping the camera steady and the LiveU300s operational.
The work of a TV news photographer is demanding, exhilarating, and essential to the world of journalism. Filming live with tools like the LiveU300s outside the Fulton County Courthouse during the arraignment hearing of 19 defendants in the election rigging case is just one example of the dedication and skill required in this profession.