Making News: Savannah Style

Making News: Savannah Style, which aired in 2008, is a compelling reality television series that gives viewers an inside look into the high-stakes world of local broadcast news. It takes viewers behind the scenes of the daily operations of WJCL and WTGS, two television stations located in a high-powered and challenging world – Savannah, Georgia.

This reality TV series explores not only the professional aspects of producing a newscast but also delves into the interpersonal relationships, tight deadlines, and intense pressure that comes with the job. It's a unique insider's look at the intricate and often turbulent process of news creation, from early planning meetings to the suspenseful on-air delivery of breaking stories. The complex interplay between the news team's personal and professional lives is developed throughout the series, adding a layer of human drama to each episode.

The show hones in on the daily grind of the news teams from both stations, encompassing everyone from up-and-coming reporters to seasoned news anchors, producers, assignment editors, and even videographers. Their mission is to deliver accurate, engaging, and timely news to the people of Savannah. Aiming to score top ratings, they routinely face struggles such as multiple breaking news stories, demanding deadlines, technological glitches, and the daily pressure to stay ahead of competitive networks.

They are led by the station's General Manager, Steve Ackermann, and the experienced News Director, Michael Sullivan, who serve as the inspirational and sometimes hard-hitting leaders to the young, aggressively ambitious team. Their roles often transform from being mentors and motivators to critic and taskmaster, amplifying the inherent pressure and drama within the newsroom.

Producers at WJCL and WTGS are saddled with making notoriously fast-paced decisions. As they navigate through the cascade of local, national, and international news, the immense pressure to choose which stories get airtime, and which are left on the cutting room floor, is deeply palpable in every episode. Their challenges extend beyond the newsroom, too, as they battle against public relations headaches, budget constraints, and station politics.

The pressure mounts as the clock counts down to the news hour and the control room fills with a palpable tension. As the on-camera talent prepares to deliver the news, the team encounters a multitude of hurdles. Maple-drenched dialogues, technical malfunctions, last-minute script rewrites, and breaking news that requires immediate attention are all par for the course. The essential role played by the production crew, folks who protect the visual product and keep things running smoothly, is also highlighted.

This Lancaster Communication and New Visions Entertainment produced series doesn't shy away from showcasing the highs and lows, triumphs and disappointments, and successes and failures that come with the territory of broadcast journalism. Viewers are offered an up close and personal look at the nuances and complexities of producing a newscast, combined with the unfolding dynamic interactions among colleagues under high-stress situations.

Away from the newsroom, the personal lives of the team members are also brought to light, their stories providing a counterbalance to their professional lives. Relationship dynamics, personal vulnerabilities, and the struggle of balancing work and life outside of the newsroom add a human touch to the hard-nosed journalism showcased during working hours.

The show is also a captivating depiction of Savannah itself - an often-overlooked corner of America's southern states with its unique blend of charm, southern hospitality, and turbulence. Making News: Savannah Style sheds light on the challenges of covering local news in a geographical location where stories range from local politics and economic growth to cultural shifts and crime.

Making News: Savannah Style is at once a study in teamwork, a testament to the power of communication, and a testament to the relentless nature of the news industry. It is an engaging, fast-paced series that will enchant viewers with its unique blend of newsroom drama and human storytelling, illuminated by the cultural backdrop of one of the South's most vibrant cities. Thoughtfully produced and compellingly narrated, it's a 'must-see' for anyone fascinated by the world of broadcast journalism. With its electrifying blend of excitement, drama, and real-life experiences, this series proves the adage that sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.