The other day, my local radio host was talking about satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider to watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and when stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001. Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams filled in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made comments about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady should drop some pounds." I know very little about satellite TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available? It's too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
Satellite feed from NBC Nightly News
- Thread starter radioguy555
- Start date
T
TXengineer
Guest
> The other day, my local radio host was talking about
> satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider to
> watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and when
> stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
> in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
> was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams filled
> in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made comments
> about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
> should drop some pounds." I know very little about satellite
> TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available? It's
> too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
>
Yup, it was when all the NBC feeds were in analog. The nightly feeds would be typically seen on GE -1 (Now AMC 1) Transponder 17. In Mid-Late 2001, NBC transitioned over to all digital, first the newsfeeds were transitioned over to two transponders (19 and 21), then the main network feeds were transitioned.
I helped install this rack and was impressed with the level of video quality when the transition happened.
> satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider to
> watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and when
> stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
> in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
> was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams filled
> in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made comments
> about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
> should drop some pounds." I know very little about satellite
> TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available? It's
> too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
>
Yup, it was when all the NBC feeds were in analog. The nightly feeds would be typically seen on GE -1 (Now AMC 1) Transponder 17. In Mid-Late 2001, NBC transitioned over to all digital, first the newsfeeds were transitioned over to two transponders (19 and 21), then the main network feeds were transitioned.
I helped install this rack and was impressed with the level of video quality when the transition happened.
> > The other day, my local radio host was talking about
> > satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> > channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider
> to
> > watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and
> when
> > stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
>
> > in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> > Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
>
> > was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> > particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams
> filled
> > in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made
> comments
> > about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
>
> > should drop some pounds." I know very little about
> satellite
> > TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available?
> It's
> > too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> > goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
> >
>
> Yup, it was when all the NBC feeds were in analog. The
> nightly feeds would be typically seen on GE -1 (Now AMC 1)
> Transponder 17. In Mid-Late 2001, NBC transitioned over to
> all digital, first the newsfeeds were transitioned over to
> two transponders (19 and 21), then the main network feeds
> were transitioned.
> I helped install this rack and was impressed with the level
> of video quality when the transition happened.
>
Wasn't there an incident in the 1980's involving the late Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the time and stations just broke away from it for local commercials and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught everything on tape and circulated it far and wide. (Much like the late Jessica Savitch's tirade in Philadelphia, during a commercial break and all taped dor unofficial distribution.) Seem to recall that after the Carson incident NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident or something similar?
It's always been entertaining to watch the various network field correspondents with the feed hot prior to air, checking their hair and makeup, straightening the collar and tie. In pre-satellite days when landlines and other
transmission methods were used, the net feed opened up about four minutes prior to air, and, at CBS affiliates, studio personnel got a look at Cronkite putting on his jacket and his makeup artist doing a last-minute brush up.
> > satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> > channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider
> to
> > watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and
> when
> > stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
>
> > in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> > Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
>
> > was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> > particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams
> filled
> > in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made
> comments
> > about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
>
> > should drop some pounds." I know very little about
> satellite
> > TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available?
> It's
> > too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> > goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
> >
>
> Yup, it was when all the NBC feeds were in analog. The
> nightly feeds would be typically seen on GE -1 (Now AMC 1)
> Transponder 17. In Mid-Late 2001, NBC transitioned over to
> all digital, first the newsfeeds were transitioned over to
> two transponders (19 and 21), then the main network feeds
> were transitioned.
> I helped install this rack and was impressed with the level
> of video quality when the transition happened.
>
Wasn't there an incident in the 1980's involving the late Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the time and stations just broke away from it for local commercials and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught everything on tape and circulated it far and wide. (Much like the late Jessica Savitch's tirade in Philadelphia, during a commercial break and all taped dor unofficial distribution.) Seem to recall that after the Carson incident NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident or something similar?
It's always been entertaining to watch the various network field correspondents with the feed hot prior to air, checking their hair and makeup, straightening the collar and tie. In pre-satellite days when landlines and other
transmission methods were used, the net feed opened up about four minutes prior to air, and, at CBS affiliates, studio personnel got a look at Cronkite putting on his jacket and his makeup artist doing a last-minute brush up.
> Wasn't there an incident in the 1980's involving the late
> Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the time
> and stations just broke away from it for local commercials
> and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network
> null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper
> tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught
> everything on tape and circulated it far and wide.
> Seem to recall that after the Carson incident
> NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break
> periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident or
> something similar?
I thought stuff like this was edited out before the show went on air, since Carson was already pre-recorded by the time it moved to Burbank in 1972?
> Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the time
> and stations just broke away from it for local commercials
> and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network
> null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper
> tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught
> everything on tape and circulated it far and wide.
> Seem to recall that after the Carson incident
> NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break
> periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident or
> something similar?
I thought stuff like this was edited out before the show went on air, since Carson was already pre-recorded by the time it moved to Burbank in 1972?
Re: Satellite feed memories...
Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old days...
Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a taped segment.
The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of piece.
The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who was doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he sees, puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash barrel and he hocks a big clam right into it.
Ahh... those were the days!<P ID="signature">______________
"What's That?" "French Horns!"
</P>
Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old days...
Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a taped segment.
The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of piece.
The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who was doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he sees, puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash barrel and he hocks a big clam right into it.
Ahh... those were the days!<P ID="signature">______________
"What's That?" "French Horns!"
</P>
> > Wasn't there an incident in the 1980's involving the late
> > Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the
> time
> > and stations just broke away from it for local commercials
>
> > and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network
> > null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper
> > tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught
> > everything on tape and circulated it far and wide.
> > Seem to recall that after the Carson incident
> > NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break
>
> > periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident
> or
> > something similar?
>
> I thought stuff like this was edited out before the show
> went on air, since Carson was already pre-recorded by the
> time it moved to Burbank in 1972?
I may well be wrong about just how Carson's antics cane to be on tape, but the incident did happen and was widelu circulated on tape. There's more credence to your version of the taping/airing logistics, so the question would be how it all came to be on videotape.
>
> > Johnny Carson when the satellite feed was "hot" all the
> time
> > and stations just broke away from it for local commercials
>
> > and then rejoined. Seems as if Carson, during a network
> > null, went on a rampage and threw something of a temper
> > tantrum in the studio--all while some affiliates caught
> > everything on tape and circulated it far and wide.
> > Seem to recall that after the Carson incident
> > NBC decreed that the network would feed black during break
>
> > periods--or somesuch. Anyone else remember this incident
> or
> > something similar?
>
> I thought stuff like this was edited out before the show
> went on air, since Carson was already pre-recorded by the
> time it moved to Burbank in 1972?
I may well be wrong about just how Carson's antics cane to be on tape, but the incident did happen and was widelu circulated on tape. There's more credence to your version of the taping/airing logistics, so the question would be how it all came to be on videotape.
>
> The other day, my local radio host was talking about
> satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider to
> watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and when
> stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
> in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
> was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams filled
> in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made comments
> about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
> should drop some pounds." I know very little about satellite
> TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available? It's
> too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
>
I work at an affiliate.. One Sunday they were feeding the NN studio feed down the transponder our emergency receiver was tuned to. The MCO and I watched Campbell Brown (who was filling in) scream at her floor crew over not having the teleprompter working.
Also.. In the mornings.. NBC has studio 1A live to the network prior to the start of the Today show. You get to see Katie and Matt get their make-up done and Katie fix her hair the way she wants it after her hairdresser is done with it.
It's always entertaining to watch the network talent not on the air!
-A<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
> satellite TV. He said that he was able to pick up "side
> channels" on the K and CU bands of his satellite provider to
> watch behind-the-scenes footage during commercials and when
> stories from reporters aired on NBC Nightly News. This was
> in the mid to late '90s and up until around 2000 or 2001.
> Apparently there was an off-air monitor in the studio that
> was always on, and he was picking up the signal from that
> particular monitor. He said that when Brian Williams filled
> in for Tom Brokaw, he was a real jokester and made comments
> about people shown in the news pieces like "Boy, that lady
> should drop some pounds." I know very little about satellite
> TV, so does anyone remember this feed being available? It's
> too bad they discontinued it because I'd love to see what
> goes on in a newsroom at a major network.
>
I work at an affiliate.. One Sunday they were feeding the NN studio feed down the transponder our emergency receiver was tuned to. The MCO and I watched Campbell Brown (who was filling in) scream at her floor crew over not having the teleprompter working.
Also.. In the mornings.. NBC has studio 1A live to the network prior to the start of the Today show. You get to see Katie and Matt get their make-up done and Katie fix her hair the way she wants it after her hairdresser is done with it.
It's always entertaining to watch the network talent not on the air!
-A<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
Re: Satellite feed memories...
> Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old
> days...
>
> Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a
> taped segment.
> The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what
> appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of
> piece.
>
> The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News
> aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who was
> doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
> stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he sees,
> puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side
> and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash barrel
> and he hocks a big clam right into it.
There was also an incident during the 1987 World Series when Al Michaels of ABC took a commercial break opportunity to complain about his hotel accommodations and the general atmosphere in the city of Minneapolis during the Series. Michaels' comments were picked up and published by a local TV critic, after which Michaels, nonplussed, then began using the commercial breaks to rip on the critic himself before ABC technicians cut off the audio feed.
> Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old
> days...
>
> Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a
> taped segment.
> The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what
> appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of
> piece.
>
> The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News
> aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who was
> doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
> stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he sees,
> puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side
> and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash barrel
> and he hocks a big clam right into it.
There was also an incident during the 1987 World Series when Al Michaels of ABC took a commercial break opportunity to complain about his hotel accommodations and the general atmosphere in the city of Minneapolis during the Series. Michaels' comments were picked up and published by a local TV critic, after which Michaels, nonplussed, then began using the commercial breaks to rip on the critic himself before ABC technicians cut off the audio feed.
L
leach
Guest
Re: Satellite feed memories...
> > Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old
>
> > days...
> >
> > Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a
>
> > taped segment.
> > The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what
> > appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of
> > piece.
> >
> > The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News
>
> > aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who
> was
> > doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
> > stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he
> sees,
> > puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side
>
> > and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash
> barrel
> > and he hocks a big clam right into it.
>
> There was also an incident during the 1987 World Series when
> Al Michaels of ABC took a commercial break opportunity to
> complain about his hotel accommodations and the general
> atmosphere in the city of Minneapolis during the Series.
> Michaels' comments were picked up and published by a local
> TV critic, after which Michaels, nonplussed, then began
> using the commercial breaks to rip on the critic himself
> before ABC technicians cut off the audio feed.
>
Back in the mid 70s, a co-worker of mine was working at a TV station in Baltimore. He swears to this day that on one sat. feed of an awards show ( or something similar ), during a commercial break Lucille Ball was screaming every dirty word there is, blowing smoke in people's faces saying "..I don't give a f"ck!!", and going on and on about how bad the then-current state of movies/TV shows were such as All in the Family were trash and wishing they would bring back Amos & Andy.
Same show he remembers Bill Cosby joking ( during the break of course ) that he
enjoys watching male strippers while another 70s era TV star ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that horny then I would jump their bones anyway".
> > Two incidents I saw on my "BUD" (Big Ugly Dish) in the old
>
> > days...
> >
> > Mary Alice Williams was doing a cast on CNN and intro'ed a
>
> > taped segment.
> > The camera stayed on her, and she started doing what
> > appeared to be addressing envelopes for the duration of
> > piece.
> >
> > The other memorable one was just before a CBS Evening News
>
> > aired. Filling in for Dan Rather was Bob Schieffer, who
> was
> > doing last-minute "buff & fluff"
> > stuff. He picks up a hand mirror, approves of what he
> sees,
> > puts down the mirror and then bends over to his right side
>
> > and you hear the dragging over sound of a metal trash
> barrel
> > and he hocks a big clam right into it.
>
> There was also an incident during the 1987 World Series when
> Al Michaels of ABC took a commercial break opportunity to
> complain about his hotel accommodations and the general
> atmosphere in the city of Minneapolis during the Series.
> Michaels' comments were picked up and published by a local
> TV critic, after which Michaels, nonplussed, then began
> using the commercial breaks to rip on the critic himself
> before ABC technicians cut off the audio feed.
>
Back in the mid 70s, a co-worker of mine was working at a TV station in Baltimore. He swears to this day that on one sat. feed of an awards show ( or something similar ), during a commercial break Lucille Ball was screaming every dirty word there is, blowing smoke in people's faces saying "..I don't give a f"ck!!", and going on and on about how bad the then-current state of movies/TV shows were such as All in the Family were trash and wishing they would bring back Amos & Andy.
Same show he remembers Bill Cosby joking ( during the break of course ) that he
enjoys watching male strippers while another 70s era TV star ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that horny then I would jump their bones anyway".
Re: Satellite feed memories...
... another 70s era TV star
> ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement
> like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that horny
> then I would jump their bones anyway".
>
From what I've read, that was one of the late Mr. Blyden's favorite expressions. In his book about producing "What's My Line?" which Blyden hosted, Gil Fates says at Blyden's funeral, there were five women who claimed to be his No. 1 girlfriend.
"Will the real girlfriend please stand up?" (oops, wrong show)
... another 70s era TV star
> ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement
> like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that horny
> then I would jump their bones anyway".
>
From what I've read, that was one of the late Mr. Blyden's favorite expressions. In his book about producing "What's My Line?" which Blyden hosted, Gil Fates says at Blyden's funeral, there were five women who claimed to be his No. 1 girlfriend.
"Will the real girlfriend please stand up?" (oops, wrong show)
K
kyleP
Guest
Re: Satellite feed memories...
> ... another 70s era TV star
> > ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement
> > like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that
> horny
> > then I would jump their bones anyway".
> >
> From what I've read, that was one of the late Mr. Blyden's
> favorite expressions. In his book about producing "What's My
> Line?" which Blyden hosted, Gil Fates says at Blyden's
> funeral, there were five women who claimed to be his No. 1
> girlfriend.
>
> "Will the real girlfriend please stand up?" (oops, wrong
> show)
>
sadly neither Blyden, nor his only wife and his son would live to see their 50th birthdays. And Blyden was on the verge of being a major game show host too. I seem to recall he was one of those considered by Merv Griffin to be a host for a new game show. That being Wheel of Fortune. One can only guess what Blyden would be doing now had he not take that trip to Morroco looking for antiques.
Lucille Ball was one of those many of stars who I have read about in the past, who are nothing like they are in front of cameras. Years ago while appearing on some interview show Lucy says how much she loves her fans. That may very well be true but at the same time I believe it was Lucy who tried to get Beverly Hills to ban those tour buses from giving fans the chance to see their favorite stars homes. If that is true, very ironic considering that episode of I Love Lucy with Richard Widmark where Lucy and Ethel do take one of these very same tours.
Dick Clark is another one I heard who is like Lucy. I wonder if anyone has ever seen the satellite feed of him when he did his New Years Rockin Eve over the years that was sent to the ABC stations? Wonder what he was like during the commercial breaks? The reason I being this up, many years ago I heard an interview with some of the kids who did Bandstand back in the 70s. They claim when the camera is on, Clark is all smiles and such. But once the camera isnt on him, he turns very cold, doesnt much interact with the kids and once the taping is over, well out the door he goes.
> ... another 70s era TV star
> > ( he thinks it was Larry Blyden ), making some statement
> > like "..I dont care if its a she or a he..if I am that
> horny
> > then I would jump their bones anyway".
> >
> From what I've read, that was one of the late Mr. Blyden's
> favorite expressions. In his book about producing "What's My
> Line?" which Blyden hosted, Gil Fates says at Blyden's
> funeral, there were five women who claimed to be his No. 1
> girlfriend.
>
> "Will the real girlfriend please stand up?" (oops, wrong
> show)
>
sadly neither Blyden, nor his only wife and his son would live to see their 50th birthdays. And Blyden was on the verge of being a major game show host too. I seem to recall he was one of those considered by Merv Griffin to be a host for a new game show. That being Wheel of Fortune. One can only guess what Blyden would be doing now had he not take that trip to Morroco looking for antiques.
Lucille Ball was one of those many of stars who I have read about in the past, who are nothing like they are in front of cameras. Years ago while appearing on some interview show Lucy says how much she loves her fans. That may very well be true but at the same time I believe it was Lucy who tried to get Beverly Hills to ban those tour buses from giving fans the chance to see their favorite stars homes. If that is true, very ironic considering that episode of I Love Lucy with Richard Widmark where Lucy and Ethel do take one of these very same tours.
Dick Clark is another one I heard who is like Lucy. I wonder if anyone has ever seen the satellite feed of him when he did his New Years Rockin Eve over the years that was sent to the ABC stations? Wonder what he was like during the commercial breaks? The reason I being this up, many years ago I heard an interview with some of the kids who did Bandstand back in the 70s. They claim when the camera is on, Clark is all smiles and such. But once the camera isnt on him, he turns very cold, doesnt much interact with the kids and once the taping is over, well out the door he goes.
Re: Satellite feed memories...
Keep these stories comin, I love em....!!!!!!!!!!
Keep these stories comin, I love em....!!!!!!!!!!
- Status