Electronic news gathering, live broadcasts and live streaming

Published by Emil Abraham, June 3rd, 2023

Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is a broadcasting technique that involves the use of portable electronic devices, such as cameras and microphones, to capture and transmit live events. ENG has revolutionized the way news is reported and has contributed significantly to live broadcasting by enabling news reporters and crews to cover events and transmit footage from any location with ease. Here are some ways in which ENG has contributed to live broadcasting:

Mobility: ENG equipment, such as portable cameras, microphones, and satellite uplink systems, allows news crews to move freely and quickly to various locations. This mobility enables them to cover breaking news, live events, and on-the-spot reporting, ensuring timely and dynamic coverage.
Real-time Transmission: ENG equipment allows for the transmission of news content in real-time. This means that viewers can receive live updates and footage as events unfold, providing a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the broadcast.
High-Quality Video: ENG cameras are designed to capture high-quality video, even in challenging conditions. They are equipped with advanced features like zoom, image stabilization, and low-light capabilities, ensuring that the broadcasted content is clear and visually appealing.
Improved Production Efficiency: ENG has streamlined the news production process. Previously, news stories were recorded on film and had to be processed before airing. With ENG, news crews can capture, edit, and transmit footage digitally, reducing production time and allowing for quick turnaround of news stories.

In short, a live broadcast refers to the real-time transmission of audio and video content to viewers as the event is taking place. It involves capturing footage at the location, encoding it, and transmitting it to a broadcast station or satellite uplink for immediate distribution to viewers.

The planning and execution of a live broadcast involve several steps:

Pre-production Planning: This phase involves determining the purpose and scope of the live broadcast, identifying the target audience, and establishing technical requirements. It includes logistics planning, such as securing necessary permissions, arranging equipment, and establishing communication channels.
Crew and Equipment Setup: The news crew, including reporters, camera operators, audio technicians, and producers, gathers at the location. ENG equipment, such as cameras, microphones, lights, and satellite uplink systems, is set up and tested for proper functionality.
Signal Acquisition: The ENG crew captures live footage of the event using cameras and audio equipment. They ensure that the video and audio signals are of high quality and properly synchronized.
Signal Encoding and Transmission: The captured video and audio signals are encoded into a compatible format for transmission. The signals are then sent through a transmission medium, such as satellite uplink systems, microwave links, or fiber-optic cables, to the broadcast station or satellite for distribution.
Studio Control and Broadcasting: At the broadcast station, the received signals are processed and controlled in the studio. Producers and directors make decisions on switching between different camera angles, inserting graphics or overlays, and coordinating with the on-site crew. The live broadcast is then aired on television channels for viewers to watch.

In the age of live broadcast, television ruled as audiences eagerly awaited scheduled programming and breaking news. However, the emergence of high-speed internet and streaming platforms ushered in the age of live streaming. This transformative shift allowed individuals to become content creators, sharing their experiences in real-time and reaching a global audience. Live streaming's immediacy, authenticity, and integration with social media platforms captivated viewers, leading to a democratized media landscape where anyone could share their stories and talents. Traditional broadcasters had to adapt, embracing online streaming and interactive elements to stay relevant. The age of live streaming empowered individuals, blurred the line between creators and consumers, and forever changed the way we consume and engage with live content.

A live broadcast differs from live streaming in several ways:

Distribution Method: Live broadcasting is typically transmitted through traditional broadcast channels, such as television networks or satellite systems. Live streaming, on the other hand, relies on internet-based platforms and streaming services to distribute content online.
Quality and Reliability: Live broadcasting often ensures higher production quality and reliability due to the use of professional-grade equipment and established transmission infrastructure. Live streaming quality can vary depending on internet connectivity and may suffer from buffering and other issues that can affect the quality of the feed depending on the capabilities of the streaming platform.
Audience Reach: Live broadcasting has a broader reach as it can be accessed by viewers with television sets or satellite receivers. Live streaming, while accessible to a global audience, requires an internet connection and compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Latency: Live broadcasting has low latency, meaning that the video and audio feeds are transmitted in real-time. Live streaming may have higher latency, meaning that there may be a delay between the live event and the transmission of the video and audio feeds.
Interactivity: Live streaming allows for real-time interaction with the audience through comments, chat features, and social media engagement. Live broadcasting typically does not provide the same level of interactivity, although some television channels may incorporate viewer feedback through phone-ins or online interactions.