What is an NPPA Station Anyway?

[skysix06]

When I look at job posts from various stations, I sometimes see the phrase "We are an NPPA station". My question is this. What does that actually mean?

I know what the the NPPA is. I have been to their website. I was even a member for awhile when I first started. I got a card, but no one really talked much about it after that. Our station has since stopped paying for membership and most of the guys didn't continue on their own. I know being in the NPPA means that your promising to be an ethical journalist and you can enter tape contests.

I guess I just want to hear your opinion on what it means to be an NPPA station. How does an NPPA station differ from stations that are not?

Skysix06

[Freddie Mercury]

Here we go!

When a station puts that in their listing, it usually means they want somebody who is involved in the storytelling process and not "just a cameraman". It doesn't necessarily mean they want a particular style, but rather a particular attitude and commitment.

And now stand by for a storm of anti-NPPA posts.

[LongTimePhotog]

The NPPA stresses the basics, sequenced video, good nat sound, steady video etc. Some stations think if your "NPPA" quality you are worthy of a look. With or without the NPPA the basics should be followed anyway. I was a member for twenty years and I can say it has helped me get a job or two.

[Flash-Frame]

You need to hold a camera steady, shoot great sequences, tell a well structured story, and most importantly shoot fire from your eyes. A NPPA station has a bunch of guys that can do all that.

[FTOJRLST]

Here we go!

When a station puts that in their listing, it usually means they want somebody who is involved in the storytelling process and not "just a cameraman". It doesn't necessarily mean they want a particular style, but rather a particular attitude and commitment.

And now stand by for a storm of anti-NPPA posts.

This may be the best statement I've ever heard about the NPPA. I would say that this answer would also cover the question, "What is the NPPA Style?"

Even if you aren't a member of the NPPA you are following the NPPA style if you've done any of the following at some time or another....
- Used a tripod to get your shots

- Asked questions of the interview subject.

- Lit an interview really well.

- Held a shot for 10 seconds without panning or zooming.

- Gathered creative and unique pictures by shooting from various angles, hi, low, left and right.

- Talked with your reporter about how you thought the story could be shot, written or edited.

- Had a reporter ignore you because of the above statement.

- Added nat sound breaks to a story unscripted.

- Had a reporter complain about the TRT because of the added nat sound.

- Been proud of your work because of the use of a combination of the things from this short list.

(This could turn into a ...."You might be an NPPA member if..." joke....):D

[pre-set]

N ot
P aid
P articulary
A ttractively


Always seems to be the case, anyway.... Me? I'm happy just being a "cameraman". I don't need accronyms..... just a decent check$.

[Stoney]

I worked at two "NPPA shops"... KXLY and KPHO. Both were (maybe not any longer... it's been a few years since I was there) commited to really good photogs who wanted to do good work. There was a feeling of quality amongst the staff. Critiques, advice, pitching in, collaboration, ideas... these were common everyday themes.

Sure, all the other stuff that goes on in a newsroom happens in these shops as well. But, the good work is prized and the common and mundane is minimized.

[Run&Gun]

Wasn't there a post, a while back, about a station saying they were an NPPA station because they used their tripods?

I believe in sound shooting practices, and I was an NPPA member for many years when I started, but I believe the NPPA's glory days are over. There was a point in history when you heard those letters and they meant something, but now...