Fooling the Viewer
Some stations call it the bobble, while others call it the stare.
It has become a thing that as TV stations highlight their upcoming news coverage during the newscast, they show their Reporters that have stories coming up in a multi-box.
Viewers are led to believe that all these Reporters are standing by live and waiting their turn.
Here is a screenshot from Sinclair’s KUTV in Salt Lake City doing just that:
I don’t know if this is a consultant thing, but it seems now that most stations do this.
But, doesn’t it look a bit stupid when some of your talent is standing in the darkness, while others are outside in the sunlight?
Do you really think the viewer is that dumb?
Just asking….