It’s never been a one-man show.
I’ve logged over 40-years in TV and radio news, including 31 years at one Boston TV Station. I’m always flattered when people say they remember me and my work. The body of work is considerable. Usually 3 or 4 daily newscasts, 5 to 6 days a week, 48 or so weeks a year times 40. That’s a lot of news, good, bad and ugly.
A reporter, the face in front of the camera, gets the credit for everything. The images of life, death and the furies of Mother Nature. Wars and Peace. Happiness and sorrow. You see the reporter, center screen with a name graphic, proof that he or she saw everything in the visuals that tell the story.
It’s a false premise. It’s impractical. The reporter couldn’t possibly be in all the places seen in the story that has you riveted to the screen.
We’re called “talent” in business lexicon. That should be a dead giveaway. We’re the human, face connection, to all those images on your screen.
The real reporters are the people behind the cameras. The men and women who frequently put their lives on the line to bring you the pictures, the video seared into your sense memory.
I’m proud of all the awards I’ve received over the years. I’d be a liar if I said the hardware didn’t mean anything to me. They are reminders of the stories covered across four decades – on the local, state, national and international stages. The awards have my name clearly etched, front and center. But I can see all the faces of those responsible for bringing the stories to life.
In the 60’s, I was a green rookie, assigned to the national and international news, landscapes that ranged from Vietnam, civilian dissent against the war, Civil Rights marches and violent opposition, assassinations of national leaders, a historic walk on the moon and a music-culture changer called Woodstock. I was a 20-something, agape at all these events I was covering for Network News. It truly was baptism under fire. I survived because of veterans whose careers began with the birth of radio and television news, The great depression and World War Two.
The 20 something was handed the keys to the news kingdom. Right place, right time. I may have often been driving the big car but those veterans always rode shotgun, guiding me through some very difficult mazes of network news closed-door battles with the Pentagon, the DOD and the White House. I had a grizzled news manager who always counseled me, “Just tell the truth…make sure you’ve corroborated 2 or 3 times at least.
Don’t let the Pols or Generals faze you…make sure the stories are short, punchy…dump the adjectives”.
All that was behind me when I landed in Boston in 1970. If I thought I knew it all, I was dead wrong. Boston was just edging its way into a golden era of TV Journalism. The technology was rapidly changing and changing the way things were done. TV news was still viewed with skepticism and contempt by many old-school journalists who believed the word was stronger than the picture.
Boston is a highly regarded news market. It can be tricky for a newcomer not versed in the proper pronunciation of towns and cities or the political landmines in seemingly benevolent Norman Rockwell like settings.
I was thrust into local celebrity by being a general assignment reporter covering blue-plate special stories of murders, fires, prison riots, sexual predators, bad weather, and quirky politics.
I quickly learned to lean on the experience of the people shooting the stories. They knew the players, the back stories, the dos and the don’ts.
A news director (one of nearly 3 dozen I survived) told me to keep the camera crews under my thumb. He said they were just ‘picture takers’, ‘lumpers’ and ‘complainers’. That news director was history before I figured out how wrong he was.
Those picture takers really were reporters who saw everything around them. They knew when someone was just using his “face time” to dance around the truth and delay legal consequences. They warned me about the “frauds” and “fakers,” political and community leaders who could clean your pockets while shaking your hand.
I am especially thankful for the photojournalists who covered “the mean streets.” They’re the ones I always saw at 3 o’clock in the morning at a devastating fire, a triple homicide or drive-by shooting. They always knew more than the eye-witnesses or law enforcement people just catching the case. I apologize to those whose names are omitted. It’s impossible to do justice to all of you who were there for me and other reporters over all those years.
Boston is a unique TV news market because the competition is benevolent. Everyone wants to be FIRST with the story, especially with the advent of electronic newsgathering. Everything is “Now”. It happens and, in a few minutes, you’re expected to be “live with breaking news”. Truth and facts often become victims in the quest to be fast and first.
Reporters feel the pressure. They often feel their jobs are on the line if they are not first. The folks behind the cameras become a calming force. They’ve observed the scene, the people, possible evidence. Often, cameramen and women can figure out the story while fielding frantic and demanding calls from newsrooms. Over the years, I’ve leaned on camera and tech crews, not only from my station but also competitors.
I’ve been slipped pieces of paper with key information during live shots and looked like the best damn reporter in town. In truth, I was saved by a competing cameraman who saw me struggling and threw the lifeline.
I’ve been praised for memorable “standups” — those on-camera appearances where we look you in the eye and deliver riveting reports. The truth is those words often came from the people behind the camera. Their words, repeated with sincere conviction by me.
The camera folks also correct information that we, seasoned reporters, are sure is true. I was often interrupted with, “Garry, I don’t want to tell you what to say. You always know what you’re doing…” The bulb in my brain flashes — “Listen, know-it-all breath”.
So, this is a thank you to Richie, Andy, Nat, Jack, Premack, Warren, Eddie, Susan, Leslie, Noot, Messrs. Richard Chase, “Fast Al”, Stan The Man and all the other REAL — behind the camera reporters.
These were the journalists who enabled me to have such a long and satisfying career. Thank you!
Categories: #News, #Photography, #Work, Cameras, Garry Armstrong, Media, Performance, Television
great post, Garry. I think you covered it beautifully, and generously.
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Thanks, Judy. Just sharing the rightly deserved credit. Some of my colleagues would have you believe they did it all by themselves. Not so.
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That’s a lovely tribute to your fellow workers Garry.
Leslie
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Garry always told me that his camera people saved him many times over the years.
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Marilyn, I’m sure helped many of them along the way too.
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Maybe, but he always said they never got the credit they were due.
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I’m sure they knew he appreciated what they did for him.
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IT’S True. They bailed me out myriad times.
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Thanks, Leslie.The folks behind the cameras have been my best friends over the years. We’ve worked and played hard together.
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There would be a certain camaraderie.
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Leslie, there was and is a certain camaraderie. We shared lots of stuff over the years. I’ve known some colleagues through multiple marriages and divorces. Lots of “3 o’clock in the morning” get togethers with shared regrets.
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memories are made of this…
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As I’ve said on many occasions, you are an honourable man, Garry. I’ve seen some of the coverage you were responsible for and it was such a breath of fresh air. A man I could trust. That’s how I felt. I still do. It’s indeed touching and moving to read this article. Giving credit to the others involved. I’ve often thought, wow that camera man is weathering that storm the same as the reporter out front, or something similar. Too often I’ve witnessed the reporter take credit. Few were the times they made mention of the others around them, a cast of people, presenting the news. You do yourself and other reporters credit. You were exceptional and your crew was too. Brava, Garry! Loved this. Respect you!
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Thanks for the kind words. It would be irresponsible for me to take full credit for the stories I’ve covered. It really is a TEAM effort.
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I’ve always admired the man/woman confident enough to “speak” out ie in front of the mic. But it was always obvious to me there were so many others involved. Still, for all that, the person in front of the mic. is the one that takes the brunt of criticism or kudos. You were the one sticking your neck out as it were.
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THANKS, COVERT. I truly loved my job (Until the last year or two) because it enabled me to make a difference. There was such a feeling of pride when things went well.
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I imagine so! Making a difference is probably one of the most important things we can do in our lives. Not bragging by any means but on a small scale, I’ve made a difference too and those moments are so precious!
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Good for you, Covert. Every bit helps.
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It’s the best we can do and it’s so worth it, thank you. You certainly did your part and I’m sure many were deeply touched by the thoughtfulness and caring you showed.
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I really enjoyed this behind the scenes view of the news.
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Thanks. I really think the folks behind the camera deserve far more credit and acclaim than they receive.
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Oops.. keep thinking of more. Did you watch Broadcast News? I loved it. (The TV Show) and Sports Night.
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We like it better now than when it came out. Garry was busy losing his job when it came out and it was just a bit “close to home” originally. It’s a great movie and very accurate.
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Yes, I watched “Broadcast News”. Multiple times. Resonated. Also have watched “Network” — often — which isn’t as crazy as you may think. I’d love to cover news for the rebooted “Murphy Brown”. I think we’d get along.
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I’d forgotten about Murphy Brown. They broke through on that one, didn’t they. I loved it.
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Loved Murphy Brown. I could easily fit into her newsroom.
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I wish they’d rerun her show. I barely remember it.
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They are bringing it back next year! Murphy Brown will star.. set in the present day. Diane English will write it. yay. CBS CBS announced today that the landmark feminist sitcom Murphy Brown would be returning for the 2018-2019 season. Series star Candice Bergen will reprise the titular role and Murphy Brown’s creator, Diane English, will once again serve as writer/executive producer on the project. The new season will be 13-episodes long, shot in the traditional multi-cam format, and will take place in the current day. As CBS put it in a press release, “Murphy Brown returns to a world of cable news, social media, fake news and a very different political and cultural climate.”
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I’m really looking forward to it. I liked the show very much when it was first on and sorry when it went away.
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Forgottenman thinks once they bring the new series to light that they’ll make the old segments available as well. They aren’t streaming anywhere now. It will be interesting to see how Murphy reacts to Trump, instagram, tweets and the entire social media thang.
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VERY interesting.
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Do you have any broadcast video of yourself? I’d love to see it.
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Garry does. We have to figure out how to transfer it for use on the computer. I think Tom can help with that.
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Yes. I have a dusty DVD, compiled about 17 or 18 years ago. Supposed to be my greatest hits but I haven’t looked at it in a long time. I’m not Mr. Norma Desmond.
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I’d love to see it, though. Any way to share it, privately if not on your blog?
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Is that you with a part in your hair, Garry? Enjoyed this story a lot and appreciate your sharing the glory. Who is the lady showing all the leg next to you and are you all receiving awards??? (Seated photo.)
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Yep. That’s me. The Young Garry. I had my hair parted til I was in my late 30’s. One of those unsung heroes firmly suggested I try a different look. I did.
That’s Susan Wornick sitting to my left. Susan is a long time, Emmy Award winning Anchor-Reporter. She recently retired from WCVB-Ch 5 in Boston. Susan co-anchored the popular midday news on Ch-5 for many years. I have a nice, personal memory of Susan in a bikini at the Martha’s Vineyard Summer House we shared with media friends for almost 25 years.
That group picture is from the Massachusetts Hall of Fame News Media awards several years ago. Susan Wornick and I were among those inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was a big honor for all us. My “Baby” Brother, ANTON was a surprise guest. He flew in, arm in a sling., to be there for me. WOW!
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Cool. Nice surprise. And isn’t that a red-haired Marilyn in the photo with you and Bill Clinton? Is that when he was running or already president?
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He was already President. The Vineyard was his vacation and this was a party for the press who had been following him around for two weeks. It was a GREAT party, the second of two.
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