I have to agree somewhat with Jennings. I think the virtual set looks hideous - though I have always preferred a physical set. There’s just way too much going on and I don’t think each element is being rendered properly. Definitely lots of room for improvement.
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I think some just aren’t able to see past what is and always has been and where costs can be cut to deliver this product. Ultimately the news being bought to as many viewers, readers, listeners should always be the focus.
I think part of what made newshub lose its way was having tit for tat in terms of production and output. This wasn’t and still isnt cheap. If production costs can be bought right down then those stories that kiwis want to hear, will be able to have the funds allocated to the reporters and journalists needed to help ensure these stories are covered.
Jennings had his time in a different error, but times have changed. Fully respect his opinion and experience.
Lets be fair the majority of people dont care about a flash physical set. A VR set does the job.
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He still said some valid points, but agreed
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I noticed tonight they are starting to utilise more of the existing stuff journalists on the bulletin.
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Full July 9th bulletin. Some key points:
- Samantha Hayes’ mic had some tech issues (16:40 mark)
- Sports segment interview with Paul Cully pre-recorded (most likely)
- Stuff daily quiz had problems popping up due to technical difficulties so ended up never airing
- Still pixelated during the weather segments
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Really interesting read, thanks for posting.
I must say I disagree with this idea of sour grapes. I see where you’re all coming from, I really do. But surely Jennings has forgotten more than we all know about news on 3? If anyone is qualified to criticise, it’s him. The new show has only been on for a few days and I imagine it will all be very ‘safe’ to begin with, whilst everyone finds their feet. Things will probably start to change once they leave Flower Street.
And the corrections facility thing is spot on! I get what the team were aiming for but it’s missed the mark completely. Still, it is a virtual set, so they can change the backdrop in time if they want or need to.
It’s still better than Channel 7 Perth! (Admittedly that is a very low bar…)
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The studio looks good. I think viewers always tend to be less appreciative of this kind of stuff than presentation nerds. It does the job and looks pretty slick.
Music sounds good too and the graphics look clean and coherent. All up, the presentation and technical side of things has been executed with good competence.
Content wise, they’ve done okay.
Tonight was the strongest, both lead features felt completely comparable to a TVNZ story, and they were produced by Stuff journalists - not ex-Newshubers.
Before tonight, things felt more wavering. Almost all of the stories were produced by former Newshub journos, some stories were questionable (e.g. leading on Chantelle Baker), and some stories felt undercooked - e.g. launch night story of the PM in Wairoa was clearly a poorer cousin to what TVNZ aired that night.
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I thought these two points were a bit harsh in Jennings’ article:
Of course it is early days and the fresh, innovative approach promised by Boucher may yet come. All the reporting so far has been done by experienced Newshub reporters except for one piece on Sunday night by Stuff writer Tony Wall. Unfortunately, Wall’s weak voice felt out of place and it highlighted the problem of utilising non-broadcast reporters in prime time TV news.
Promotion of Stuff’s website also looked out of place in the bulletin but given the company is unlikely to be making any profit out of its deal with Warners it can hardly be blamed for seeking some additional value.
he may well be right on point #2 but tbf he’s been pretty sour about the deal ever since it was announced - when the Herald revealed Newsroom was also in the running it all made sense.
Just join media spy already Mark, it’s the kind of commentary we love to give on here 
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Watched the bulletin tonight properly - actually very good. Was interesting to see Press/Stuff reporter Sam Sherwood doing a PTC and voice over for the lead track.
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Media buyer gives their two cents:
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“The Hanging Gardens of fucking Babylon” as was once declared by the great Paul Henry.
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Looks like the green screen weather board quality has been fixed, and no showing signs of pixelated.
Full July 10th bulletin:
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Much better. Good to see Stuff keeping on top of the technical issues.
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I’m impressed at how well Stuff have done, considering they’ve never done TV before. Though I suppose it helps they’re still at Flower Street. The real acid test will come when they move…
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The animations and font choice are so slick. Better than what Australia has to offer.
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Good to see both anchors filing stories as well as presenting. Very like the old 3 News! Hope this carries on past the first week.
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It definitely will for Laura, Stuff have said she will be reporting in addition to the weekend presenting role.
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Sam Hayes is also senior correspondent
Thanks fro uploading @Horomono , it’s great being able to watch on x2 speed
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