The network newscast is alive and well

The executive producer of ABC’s World News Tonight, Jon Banner, talked to journalism students about the seismic changes in the news business since he graduated from Boston University in 1989. Banner returned to the College of Communication in September, showed excerpts and discussed the behind the scene decisions which go into the production of the evening network newscast now anchored by Charlie Gibson.

Some of the issues raised were the delivery of the ABC newscast to computers and cell phones, the economics of news production as well as the personal and professional challenges of a year when anchor Peter Jennings passed away and his replacement, Bob Woodruff, was seriously injured in Iraq. Banner’s visit included a master class to broadcast journalism majors, a general discussion with students and a tribute dinner with faculty members and students at the Castle during the evening.