ITN Senior Political Correspondent Chris Ship visits WINOL

Senior Political Correspondent for ITN News Chris Ship visited WINOL during our third week of production. An established and top-drawer political broadcaster in his own right, it was invaluable to hear Chris’s advice and guidance in the post bulletin de-brief, in addition to learning what he felt was crucial to have on every journalism CV; work experience.

Our October 27th Bulletin can be viewed by clicking the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/3/bxV0qdM2ovU

Chris Ships main points:

- Headlines are the most important part of your show – ITN record headlines – showcase crime package interview with strong quotes – headlines need to be rehearsed and there needs to be adequate time for there to be a run through of everything from the galleries cue.

- Crime Package: pauses in footage, almost exactly right but let the viewer have time to see what is happening.

- Too much towing and throwing in the studio (i.e. guest coming in (could have been seated at end of desk).

- Live Two-Way: Second question cut slightly too short. The questions from the presenter needed a more natural feel. And also there was too much ceiling in shot.

View Chris’s in-depth interview where he talks about WINOL, the bulletins stories in greater depth and gives advice for WINOL’s budding broadcast journalists. Produced by Joey Lipscombe and Stuart Appleby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_irgaHWLBmM


Chris Ship (centre) with the WINOL team in our Studio.

Lee Desty: Editor BBC South Today WINOL De-Brief Week 2

BBC South Today’s Editor Lee Desty visited WINOL during our second week of production. His direct approach and attention to detail helped me too gage an important understanding of how televised news works in a local BBC environment and how they do procedures differently to us. In general the week felt chaotic and organization felt unruly. Indeed, the smooth nature of work previously produced seemed to have disappeared, however the basis for success looked as though it was ready to act as a stepping stone for more fruitful WINOL bulletins in the coming weeks.

Editorial Points post bulletin:-

Homeless Funding Story: Use of natural sound worked, but a possible case for juxtaposition libel as not all buskers strumming a guitar can be classed as homeless people. They are two separate individuals. The positioning of the interview was strange and is a simple point for correctness in an otherwise good piece of initiative for a story.

- Spending Cut Studio Chat: Julie looked good and came across very well on camera, however I thought the studio two way was slightly out of context with the previous story, and the news asserted derived from a national angle – meaning there were no Winchester related extracts really specific to the viewer.

- Crime Story: Script told the story very well, and PTC was strong if not too long. General views are limited but creativeness is needed there.
- Higher Train Fares: An issue affecting a lot of people, including a vast percentage of our viewers, but the story did not feel localised and it felt like it was missing a strong local selling point; particularly with the higher rail fares not fully coming into play as yet.

- Unison (On the Day): My Piece to camera was too long, too close and my movement on camera was distracting. I enjoyed turning around a story on the day though even if I was short for time.

- ‘And Finally’ story (departing Bishop of Winchester): Interview was good, could have done with a bit more emotion and for the Bishop to talk about his views, ex role and future. GV’s were lacklustre. Needed shots of the Bishop doing things and not additional shots of objects which did not relate to the story, but an overall good ending to the news section of the bulletin.

- Sport: WINOL Champagne award: the initiative was great, but not sold to its full selling point. The basketball interview with the team’s captain was strange (as the interviewee was holding a basket ball – would Kevin Pietersen hold a cricket bat in every interview?).

Lee Desty Analysis

- The Director of the bulletin needs to have time to go through the script before the programme airs.

- Zapper Mentality: The headline sequence needs to be recorded and hold the viewer. If it doesn’t you can have your audience switching off extremely quickly. Your best shots and images need to be used at the top of the show to maintain the audience.

- The importance for light and shade in a bulletin. Although top quality journalism always remains top quality journalism – fluffy, and finally pieces are more memorable generally.

- BBC South Today Headline Formula: Normally 4 headlines: 2 hard/2 soft and a powerful piece of actuality which draws in viewers.

- The viewer needs to buy into your story, hence you need to sell it well.
- One lasting piece of advice by Lee was if you haven’t got a great opening shot you are struggling for a story.

- Grab the viewer with the top story.

- My PTC- avoid use of the subsidiary clause – feels as though you are going to draw the PTC to a close and then you continue to explain. The average PTC length should be 10-20 seconds. Should only be longer if you are lacking in pictures for a court report.

- The reporter needs to believe the story, there needs to be a sense of conviction in telling the story – keep to 3/4 points.

- You can look down at your notes – but make it clear you are. Have the notepad for a few seconds at least in shot, deliberately show to the viewer.

- News and Sport divide big: keep sport to a minimum of three minutes as sport divides audience and people can switch off.

Find the bulletin (in two parts) on the below links:

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/6/Zaz-8FcaSlg

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/5/cYpespcx7uY

Keep Calm and Carry On: That's my boy Kelly

I’m in trouble, you’re in trouble, deep deep trouble, someone burst our bubble, I’m in trouble, wont’ you save our souls tonight. Trouble, what trouble? Well, Welsh rockers Stereophonics certainly caused some trouble and went out with a bang in London on their final UK tour date performing the newest string to their bow, album ‘Keep Calm and Carry on’ in front of a near full Wembley Arena, with the majority of the crowd breathing every breath and singing every word of the unique vocals sung by lead star Kelly Jones, whilst the experienced and technical talent of bassist Richard Jones, supported by guitarist Adam Zindani and the contemporary drumming style of Javier Weyler, were notable companions, closely making quite the dream quartet.


The 'Phonic's' quartet (from left to right) Richard, Adam, Kelly, Javier.

The ‘Phonics’ seventh album is their latest quest for continued success, but it does not necessarily bring them a plethora of new fans. Much of the bands following has derived from years of intrepid hard graft and commitment to producing a representation of ‘rock’, perhaps, which hasn’t been seen before. The whisky, gritty and phenomenal vocal ability of Kelly Jones, the Cwmaman born front-man conjuring backlists of tracks like ‘Local Boy’, ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Dakota’ underlines the no let up in the ‘Phonics’ accomplishment stretching well over a decade. This, coupled with a few more sensitive and sentimental issues like the down to earth relationship and appreciation Stereophonics has for its fans, thus establishing a profound likeability about them, well in most quarters.

Despite, the laden path which has seemingly been laid out in the ‘Phonics’ decade in the sun, the band and its personal have had to battle through many dark moments, probably leaving their current triumphant status as a very sweet pill in which to swallow. Personal exits from the band, (drummer Stuart Cable in 2003 following a dispute over commitment) aimless firing of ammunition at front man Kelly Jones from press, columnists, bouncers and other musicians alike, did leave a bitter taste reverberating around the inner compartments of the ‘Phonic’ dressing room, but nevertheless the band and Jones, in particular, have managed to push all this into a discarded memory bank and once again come up trumps with their all in conquering skill, on display for all last night.

Keep Calm and Carry On is the band’s latest album and the stage was set at Wembley Arena, the last date in their whistle stop UK tour, where eight new tracks were belted out, but rest assured there were plenty of ‘Phonic’ classics and moments, Kelly Jones passionately throw at the London audience, whilst poised ever so effortlessly straggling his guitar, sporting a sophisticated black shirt and oh yes... the now Elvis esc quiff...one that not too many barbers can attach a sign saying ‘I do know how to do this’ on their CV.

Undeniably memorable, it is hard not to pin-point Jones as one of the greats of modern rock. Ok, he may not be everyone’s milk and two sugars, nonetheless the passion, pride and desire enshrined in him to achieve cannot be doubted and it was a pleasure to see him incapitulated in his state of natural comfort once again, on stage. For starters, a key component to the engineering of live performing is to work with the crowd and to en-sue a relationship with them, but too much and all can go to pot. Interaction is key, but Jones issued a simple remit, “let’s have a party” as the readily tuned musicians went into ‘Innocent’, the bands first release from the album which provides an easy listening pitch, added to the side-bonus of reaching out to most of the crowd, whom may only be familiar with the bands publicised items.

A instant noteback to the ‘Word Gets Around’ album, considered one of their best, exercising exhilarating upbeat guitar tracks, whilst simultaneously pumping life into a crowd, which all night were good, but probably didn’t make the same impact as a cult Cardiff Castle ‘Phonic’s’ outing. ‘A thousand trees’, ‘Traffic’ and ‘More life in a tramps vest’ definitely expelled there is more than enough life left in the ‘Phonic’s’ yet as they seem to exude the passion, musical exposition and impact, they have had at the same time as yester year when they were drilling into the depths of material in their early albums. Stereophonics are a true musical religion.

The obvious tracks, the ‘Pick a Part that’s New’ did it’s job as always, but watching on, the vibe I personally felt from the crowd spoke of its desire for the bands new material. ‘Trouble’, for example, a buoyant burst of rhythmic guitarring, and simple but affective lyrics bought everyone together, one of the band’s key successes in relating to it’s followers, in particular the preceding six albums being songs based on people, ritualising a rapid connection. Too add, a born and bred Welsh upbringing as the stigma for the band, only thrusts injections of support into the band from a passionate country. I’m straying off the gig itself, but the ‘Phonic’s’ are difficult to tie-down you see.

I wouldn’t say that the Stereophonics are reaching the twilight of their career at all, as plenty more musical inhibitions seem to be left in their boisterous genie yet, but the way Kelly Jones handles himself on stage, feeding off the crowds energy, blossoming in the spotlight, sporting one of the finest voices in rock, really conveys how much this man has at his disposal when the people of London are shouting ‘Kelly, Kelly’. This, as hard as it is, should not discount from bassist Richard, Guitarist Adam and lightening drummer Javier whom play their own decisive parts in the make-up of the Stereophonics. Although, a criticism or reference to Adam, would be that he seems a bit stagnated and lifeless (on occasions) on stage, which is unusual to say the least, but maybe fair enough, as Kelly Jones does rightfully steal the limelight, making me as an onlooker crave for his boyish good looks, to want to copy his sense of style (particularly in a leather jacket) and his rustling hair every time I see him in action.


Kelly Jones, the 'Phonic's' front man himself in action.

The emotional ‘Could you be the one?’ bought a tear to a few eyes voicing Kelly’s lyrics around me and the melody behind the vocals bring a real personal feeling to ones love conundrum. ‘Beerbottle’ played in perfect unison, echoed Stereophonics talent in making new substance, different to their old ventures, in turn with tracks like ‘Mr Writer’ written about a journalist who toured with the band for a certain period, before publishing an article criticising the group, refreshing Kelly’s on-going disliking for journalists far and wide, but the song is still a stand-out in the 25 song, strong setlist. For me, the bands new tracks, perhaps if not known word for word by the crowd, made their mark in some style. ‘I got your number’ and ‘She’s Alright’ definitely had a ‘Phonics’ aura about them, with again catchy lyrical play, oozed with strum by strum methodical guitar work underlining perfection.


Keep Calm and Carry On, the Stereophonic's seventh album.

Encore! It was a shame it had to come, but after finishing with ‘The bartender and the thief’ and the band’s only UK number one ‘Dakota’, the energy and panache in which Kelly and band mates performed with unity was untouchable. Kelly Jones and his Stereophonics give as good as they get, and they indeed do put on the ultimate live show. As confetti fell and glitzy cameras flashed before the ‘Phonics’ set foot into the sunset once more (next stop New Zealand) the warm heartfelt glow on Kelly’s faced as he turned back all but three times to wave to his adoring crowd when exiting the stage, must keep the music bug inside him glowing for years to come. Can the band come back yet again, bigger and better? Yes, they undoubtedly can and they will, whilst others should watch and learn. Kids pay special attention to Mr K Jones, as genius’s only come once a lifetime.


Here is Thursday nights setlist:

Innocent
A thousand trees
More life in a tramps vest
Vegas two times
I got your number
Pick a part thats new
Superman
Uppercut
Stuck in a rut
Maybe tomorrow
I wouldn't believe your radio
Live n love
Trouble
Could you be the one?
Mr.Writer
Same size feet
Beerbottle
Have a nice day
Caravan holiday
Just looking
Traffic
Local boy in the photograph

Encore:

She's alright
The bartender and the thief
Dakota


A Few favourite lyrics of mine from the new album:

Innocent:


I remember walking around the streets at night
I remember people talking about their lives
One of us never made it home that night
Drunken high got the better of her mind
Jenny Died
The setting sun with music on
The risk and day was...
You canґt see when thereґs sun in your eyes
You're innocent
You think everything is possible
And nothings gonna get you baby
Everything is touchable
Nothing's gonna beat you in this life


Could you be the one?

Every little thing you do is magic lately
Every single thing that you do is cool
Every little thing you do is tragically hip
Even when you tend to play the fool


Shes Alright

Sandy was from out of town
And I met her at the beach
She drove a white Mondeo ride
Which I thought was kinda cheap

She danced a while and drank some wine
Before she rolled her eyes at me
I picked them up and I rolled them back
And then we swam into the sea

Beck to the beginning

One of the most decorated sporting stars on the planet, tomorrow night will go back in time to where it all began. The theatre of dreams, a place steeped in many footballing fairytales will open its doors once again to welcome home one of its favourite sons. David Beckham is back on Manchester turf, but this time he will be pitting his wits against the club he dearly loved as a boy and still does. Now donning the famous rossonari colours of AC Milan in his second loan spell with the Italian giants, the midfielder will come face to face with Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side on English soil, hoping to overturn the current aggregate score of 3-2 in the red devils favour in the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.

Now in the apex of his career, seven years on from when he was a Manchester United player, the England international will knew only too well that these sort of matches do not come around very often and he along with his ageing Milan team mates will want one last pot shot at the big time.

After jetting in from Italy earlier today, a media frenzy awaited Beckham, with flashing cameras, over-eager journalists and batches of security marking a typical Beckham esc star studded arrival. In the pre match press conference, the global icon told a glut of press reporters he is excited, but not nervous about his return ‘home’. It’s not surprising. This match is probably just another milestone in Beckham’s career scrapbook, which has seen him go from hero to zero during the 1998 World Cup, become England Captain and all but single handidly win the La Liga title for Real Madrid in his final season in the Spanish capital.


The England star is mobbed by press and fans alike after jetting in at Manchester Airport.

With Milan staring defeat in the face, following a Wayne Rooney masterclass at the San Siro, the stage is set for a Beckham performance of some sort. The sort is what we do not know. Adrenaline and blood pressure will be riding high, but does the Manchester returnee have enough fuel left in the flailing tank, along with his peers to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and produce one of the great champion’s league comebacks. I suspect not, purely on the grounds of too much underlining damage appears to have been constructed in the first leg against his side in terms of away goals conceded, but it would be hard not to bet against a bit of Beckham magic turning a few heads tomorrow.

Many have criticised the private life of Ac Milan’s number 32 during his career, the off-field drama and whether he still deserves a place in Fabio Capello’s England outfit but what is unquestionable is the level of professionalism in which he conducts himself with on the football pitch and the obsession that courses through him to play his first love, football.

Whatever happens under the Old Trafford floodlights tomorrow night, nothing will de-rail the impact David Beckham has made on football and the true gentleman he is. Few can boast of a more successful career or for that matter a more successful life. Hats off to the man, and one just hopes he can have one last moment in the sun...

Will the ICC please re-consider it's current rulebook?

If a player is selected for the England Cricket team, something tells me they should have traces of English blood coursing through them. Craig Kieswetter is certainly not one of those. The three lion’s latest import has impressed whilst opening the batting in England’s tour to Bangladesh following Captain Andrew Strauss’s decision to rest up ahead of a hectic 2010, but the explosive wicket-keeper batsman, born in South Africa to parents of Afrikaner and Scottish descent respectively surely shouldn’t be able to qualify for the English national side. It’s fast becoming a joke. With all due respect to Kieswetter, it was no monkey on his back that he was chosen for the tour; however he only qualified for England two weeks prior to his debut and has represented South Africa at youth level. There needs to be some toughened regulations ruling over whether a player can represent the country in question.

Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss and Jonathon Trott were all South African born and they incumbently make up the bulk of the English batting line-up, but Kieswetters inclusion despite his promising talent at the tender age of 22 was a step taken too far by the ECB and the ICC need to iron out a rulebook stopping players cross tripping nations, especially if they have no next of kin family member connected with the country they find themselves plying their trade for. It can be said, his mother is Scottish and obviously British, but at the end of the day there isn’t a ‘British Cricket Team’ and the line has to drawn somewhere.



Two of England's leading lights in the ODI series against Bangladesh, but does there need to be stricter regulations on players turning out for countries their respective family histories don’t really relate too?

For the time being though, Kieswetter has grabbed his opportunity in the ECB’s makeshift touring squad and few can have any qualms about the nature in which he powered to his first three figures in international cricket securing a one-day series win for the tourists.

The first part of the potential banana skin trip to the sub continent has been handled with ease by an England team led by stand-in captain Alastair Cook. Bangladesh hardly provided the sternest of tests, but it is that same old chestnut, you can only beat what’s in front of you. Irrespective of the opposition, England’s Irish born batsman Eoin Morgan now seems an automatic shoe in slotting into the batting compartment with ease. His unbeaten century in the second ODI gave everyone a timely reminder of his undisputable technical ability. A cool, non pressurised head integrated into the heart of the England batting segment can only be a good thing for the future. Does this description sound familiar? Well, Mr Pietersen, in the series contributed three low scores and he does appear horribly out of nick, but the bottom line is he is England’s most talented player and he is too good not to return to the form that made his name. People tend to overlook the toughness and mental attribution it takes to battle back from a long term injury, and a career threatening Achilles problem at that. The Hampshire star was very much thrust back into the thick of the action in the Christmas tour of his native South Africa and I believe he should be given a bit more time to find his feet again in the Bangladesh Tests, before critics and analysts alike dig into the undergrowth of Pietersen’s mind.

The next challenge that awaits for England is to wrack up a two-nil Test series win. It should not be seen as slim pickings by the tourists nevertheless because as we saw in Tamim Iqbal’s prevalent batting in the series, there is some ability in the Bangladeshi team; but for them it’s more a case of replicating this form consistently in the unforgiving waters of international cricket. England have some injury doubts for the opening test, beginning on Friday ,with Graham Onions and Stuart Broad potentially sidelined alongside the already injured Ryan Sidebottom. The touring selectors nonetheless will gain the chance to look at debutants like batsman Michael Carberry, who I’m sure will be relishing the occasion to prove himself on the international platform.

A final point is what specifications do the English hierarchy judge Alastair’s Cooks performance as captain on? I would think a Test Series win. But more importantly Cook’s future leadership credentials need to be put under the microscope, if the opener is going to become the future England captain, many think he will become. Time will only tell.

Match Report: Xerez 0-3 Real Madrid

13th February 2010

Real Madrid overcame a tricky clash with bottom club Xerez on Saturday night as they arrived back from Andalucía with máximum points thanks to a clinical spell of finishing towards the end of the game.

A first ever Los Blancos goal for Alvaro Arbeloa in the freezing southern Spain conditions knocked the wind out of Xerez’s sails, and who-else, but the returning Cristiano Ronaldo, fired a late doublé salvo to send Real Madrid back to the capital with a flattering scoreline.

La Liga’s basement club didn’t seem in awe of Los Blancos’s visit and Xerez started the better.

Xerez’s number eleven Jeronimo Momo found himself unmarked (11) at the far post and after a good touch the Spaniard fired a left footed drive, flying just wide past the diving Iker Casillas’s right.

The home side’s early pressure on Real Madrid’s goal was almost undone following an incisive Madrid break away after a Xerez corner. Whites star Cristiano Ronaldo should have scored, instead shooting over under close inspection from the Xerez defence.

Madrid’s main threat appeared to be on the break, but the home side were not afraid to push forward and Momo, for the second time found himself within sight of Casillas’s goal, but his wayward drive sailed over, further adding to Xerez’s woeful scoring return this season of just thirteen goals.

Towards the end of the first period, only a matter of inches prevented Real Madrid taking an undeserved lead into the break. Alvaro Arbeloa’s curling right footed cross was met expertly by the head of Ronaldo but his attempt flew inches wide leaving Xerez goalkeeper Renan planted on his line.

As the game progressed in the second period, Los Blancos’s extra quality and finesse began to demand authority over the game, whilst Xerez’s chances of fashioning a goal seemed a distant memory from their first half performance.

Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been ever involved in Madrid’s forward play this season, turned from provider to finisher (64) when he burst through the Xerez defence from the right to meet a Xabi Alonso through ball, before gently slotting the ball over the line to give Madrid the lead. The ex-Liverpool defender was then greeted with a chorus of smiles from his teammates following his striker-esc finish.

One became two moments later (69) when the two most expensive players in world football combined to register a fatal knockout blow to Xerez. A lung busting run from Kaka down the right saw the playmaker look up and deliver a pin-point cross to Ronaldo, who had ghosted in at the back post and he headed home with aplomb, much to the delight of the Portuguese starlet whom has been kicking his heels in recent weeks due to suspension.



Ronaldo (above) was keen to make up for lost time due to suspension and he punished Xerez by helping himself to two goals.

Just little over a minute later it was the same men, producing the same routine and end result again killing off a confidence starved Xerez. A quickfire Ronaldo run through the centre of the pitch, supplied Kaka with a slightly over hit pass, only for the Brazilian to get to the ball before goalkeeper Renan, turn whilst maintaining his balance and then he passed the ball across the penalty area for Ronaldo to easily score.

Substitute Royston Drenthe had a late effort cleared off the line as Real Madrid looked to bolster their goals tally, but it didn’t affect the game’s final outcome as Los Blancos secured their first ever away win at the Nuevo Chapin.

Real Madrid:

Casillas 7: Calm and cool in dealing with crosses, wasn’t directly tested by Xerez.

Arbeloa 8: Fast becoming the stand out performer in this Madrid team at present.

Garay 6: Strong in the air, but looked a vulnerable to runs in behind him.

Ramos 6: Steady, but his body language suggests he prefers to play at full back.

Marcelo 6: Provided good attacking support and proving Pellegrini right to bring him back into the first team picture.

Diarra 7: Powerful in midfield and too good for Xerez.

Alonso 7: Passing was crisp and accurate, but he needs to add to his game in the final third.

Granero 8: The former Getafe man is benefitting from a run in the side and was impressive.

Kaka 8: Two great assists and his form appears to be clicking into place now.

Higuain 6: A quiet game by his standards, but it looks like he is still trying to reach full match fitness again.

Ronaldo 8: On his return, two goals and his link-up play with Kaka is getting better and better. Clinical.

Substitutes:

Raul 6: Needs a goal to get some confidence back. M.Diarra 6: Solid. Drenthe 6: Came close with late effort.

Xerez:

Renan: 6, Juan Redondo 6: Aythami 7, Casado 6, Gioda 5, Moreno 6, Sanchez 6, Keita 5, Momo 7, Calvo 7, Bermejo 6. Substitutes: Antonito 6, Alustiza 5, Abel 5