So, the past two nights have been eventfull...at least for this area. Usually, there is only one thing to do on the night shift here, ingest. I have come to realize that this shift is a feast or famine type of shift. Nothing happens until somethin "big" happens...usually. Last night wasn't big, a house fire, something that really only affects a couple of people. Thankfully, it only affected the persons involved with loss of property not life.
The night before a man fell victim to a drive by shooting . He was grazed on the side of his head. Apparently while he was in his house. A pit bull was killed in the shooting, whether the pit bull was a target or not is uncertain (this is a valid question as far as the police are concerned).
There are several things that have been bothering me lately about my job and the past two nights have made them more poignant.
I don't mind breaking news, in fact, I love it. I still get the rush of adrenaline from busting out on a story that is developing, working the scene, and kicking the shit out of the competition (this part is especially true in the video sense. I'm not the best photographer the market has to offer. there are plenty at my own station that can destroy me in video, my boss is one of them. But, I own the night and the better video that comes from this shift.). What gets me about this part is that no matter the better video, more creative shots, and quicker response the only pay off is that of my own and my news team. The general public doesn't realize that "we" beat the competition due to positioning.
Hell, I actually lost good shots because I was first on the scene the night before last. After arriving on scene I was told to stay behind the police cruisers because directly past them was considered the initial crime scene. The police hadn't taped of the area yet and were trying to sort things out. Ten minutes later, the competition shows up. Thier producer/photog walks right in the middle of the cruisers and starts shooting...noone saying a word. Luckily, my shots were still better, mainly because of the inexperience of the other shooter, but it is the priciple of the matter. If you are going to restrict me, restrict the competition, damn!
Last night was the same, as far as being first on scene goes...by 3 FREAKIN hours! Well, no way was my competition winning this one. The clincher...Fire is out, fire department is breaking down thier equipment and getting ready to head home, I have all the info I need, and halfway back to the staion I see the competition's vehicle pass me at mach 7 heading towards the "dead" scene. I couldn't help but smile, BIG.
Tonight, we had an accident involving a VA police officer, who was reported as being ejected from the vehicle. The competition was no where to be seen. As far as I know, the video is exclusive. The story will not be, thanks to the internet.
My point being that I am currently unable to shoot anything that airs longer than 30-45 seconds. I have no reporter on my shift, frankly there is no current need of one. My story ideas are getting a nod from management but no true green light, so I'm not even getting a NAT pack in. I'm afraid of the stagnation that seems to settling in with my current position.
