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The traditional way TV newscasts get attention has been with packages during sweeps periods covering dubious subjects such as "Killer High Heels."
As more people receive their news and information though they want more from the newscasts. Some stations are trying to satisfy that craving with interactivity and "family-sensitive" viewing.
When Jim Parisi became the news director of WSJV-TV 28, the ABC affiliate in Elkhart-South Bend, Ind., he wanted to make an impact on a station not known for its newscasts. So on Oct. 3 last year, WSJV's weekday 5 p.m. newscast became the first interactive newscast in the country.
Parisi, who co-anchors the newscast with Valerie Caravazos, has a computer sitting next to him during the newscast. E-mail sent during the show can be read by Parisi while he's on the air.
At the beginning of the newscast, viewers are asked to call a toll-free line to vote for one of two local feature stories they'd like to see. A company in Fort Lauderdale collects the results and calls the station back with the winner, which airs after the first seven minutes of the newscast.
Viewers then are asked to call again to vote on stories giving tips on anything from pet care to cooking to health. The winning- segment airs at the end of the newscast. All of the losing segments eventually air, according to Parisi.
During the second calling period, the callers are asked demographic questions and supply information ranging from age, pets, the number of children, and whether they're from Indiana or nearby Michigan.
The 5 p.m. newscast is also family-sensitive. "We have a holistic approach of looking at the way news should be presented," said Parisi. "It's more representative of life."
He said there...