Thirty Seconds to Air

The definitive field guide to live TV reporting, complete with real-world examples

Thirty Seconds to Air is a pocket field guide that explains the procedures, experience, and skills required to produce live television newscasts that are noteworthy for their substance and style. The guide covers live presentation, delivery, and legal and ethical issues in a conversational style, and illustrates challenging situations with real-world, concrete examples. The book also includes exercises and references drawn from the Associated Press, professional broadcast journalism associations, and the Internet. Useful for students and professionals, this guide dives into the knowledge and mindset of an experienced, skilled television professional.

Bob Arya is the author of Thirty Seconds to Air: A Field Reporter’s Guide to Live Television Reporting, published by Wiley. Bill Kurtis is an American television journalist, producer, narrator, and news anchor. He was also the host of a number of A&E crime and news documentary shows, including Investigative Reports, American Justice, and Cold Case Files.