Picture a storm chaser, driving headlong into a tornado. The chaos around them is overwhelming, yet they remain calm, focused, and methodical. Outside broadcasting often feels like this. You might be in the
middle of a raging storm, a crowded stadium, or a chaotic protest, yet your job is to capture the moment with precision and clarity. The ability to maintain composure in the face of external chaos is a hallmark of mental strength.
This calmness isn’t innate—it’s cultivated. Like a storm chaser, an OB professional learns to anticipate challenges, plan for contingencies, and trust their training. They develop a kind of situational awareness that allows them to stay grounded even when everything around them is in flux. This skill is not just about surviving the storm; it’s about thriving in it.
The Juggler’s Precision
Now, imagine a juggler performing with five balls in the air. Each ball represents a critical task: camera angles, audio levels, timing, communication, and problem-solving. Drop one, and the entire performance falls apart. Outside broadcasting requires this same level of precision and multitasking. The mental agility to keep track of multiple variables simultaneously, while remaining adaptable to sudden changes, is a testament to the cognitive demands of the job.
But here’s the empathetic truth: even the best jugglers drop a ball sometimes. In OB, mistakes happen. The key is not to dwell on them but to learn and move forward. This resilience—this ability to bounce back from setbacks—is a cornerstone of mental strength. It’s about forgiving yourself, trusting your skills, and knowing that perfection is not the goal; excellence is.
The Empathy of the Storyteller
At its core, outside broadcasting is about storytelling. Whether it’s a sports event, a breaking news story, or a cultural celebration, you’re there to capture and convey the human experience. This requires a deep sense of empathy—the ability to connect with the emotions of the people you’re filming and the audience you’re serving.
Empathy is a double-edged sword. It allows you to tell stories that resonate, but it also means you absorb the emotional weight of those stories. Covering a tragedy, for instance, can take a toll on your mental health. The ability to process these emotions, to find a balance between professional detachment and human connection, is a critical aspect of mental strength. It’s like being a lighthouse: you stand firm amidst the waves, providing light and guidance, even when the storm is at its fiercest.
Conclusion: The Heart of Outside Broadcasting
Working in outside broadcasting is not for the faint of heart. It requires the endurance of a marathon runner, the calm of a storm chaser, the precision of a juggler, the empathy of a storyteller, and the patience of a gardener. But at its core, it’s a deeply human endeavor. It’s about capturing moments that matter, telling stories that inspire, and connecting people across the globe.
If you’re in this field, know that your mental strength is your greatest asset. It’s what allows you to thrive in the face of adversity, to find joy in the chaos, and to keep going when the odds are against you. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone. Just like the marathon runner, the storm chaser, the juggler, the storyteller, and the gardener, you’re part of a community that values resilience, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Keep going—you’re doing something extraordinary.
Damien Gonzalvers
University of Television
📱 +27 79 793-8975
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