CBC's Andrew Chang in Rio: Working as a reporter
Chang reflects on the 'lonely job' of reporting at the Olympics
Reporting can sometimes be a lonely job.
Sure, you're often in the thick of the action and excitement: the so-called 'mixed zone' — where athletes run the gauntlet of media after running the gauntlet of their events.
You're surrounded by your own crew, other reporters from around the world and the venue staff who are charged with keeping things orderly. And of course the steady stream of athletes parading through — some of whom are all too happy to talk to you and others who will walk by you like you don't exist.
Broadcast reporters generally have 90 seconds to interview an athlete. After that, they start getting pushy: motioning with their fingers to wrap it up.
There's always a bit of wiggle room, but if you push your luck and try to squeeze in an extra question, they may not be so gentle the next time around.
No, it's never lonely in the mixed zone.
That being said, TV networks always place all kinds of demands on their reporters, and for all the action happening in every corner of Rio, sometimes all you really need is a good backdrop for a live hit, summing up the day.
And maybe a prayer or two to the 'news gods.'
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